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Jimmy O'Connell Sixtet: Arrhythmia

By Dan Bilawsky
August 25, 2016
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Trombonist Jimmy O'Connell has been slowly and steadily climbing the ladder of jazz success since leaving his Detroit home and arriving in New York in 2009. Over the course of his seven years in the Big Apple, O'Connell has had the opportunity to work with leading lights like trumpeter

Randy Brecker

trumpet
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Randy Brecker and saxophonist

Paquito D'Rivera

clarinet
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Paquito D'Rivera, contribute to burgeoning large groups like The Revive Big Band and The

Steven Feifke

piano
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Steven Feifke Big Band, and make his mark with his own Jimmy O'Connell Sixtet—yes, sixtet, not sextet—and a quintet that he co-leads with fellow trombonist

Peter Nelson

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Nelson. Now, after paying his dues and putting his best foot forward for all that time, Jimmy O'Connell is stepping into the light with his first release.

Arrhythmia is a debut of promise and passion. It's filled with salt of the earth jazz, neither too complicated nor lowbrow, and it delivers music that hits you straight on. Hearing this album from start to finish is basically the on-record equivalent of catching a set at New York City's Smalls—a popular subterranean spot for those looking for real-deal jazz without the fancy attire, astronomical cover charge, and unnecessary accoutrements.

O'Connell and company deliver an hour's worth of solid sounds here, opening with a lively take on

J.J. Johnson

trombone
1924 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">J.J. Johnson's "Lament," closing with the soulful and low-key "Solidarity," and hitting six other stops in between. For originals there's "Gray Matter," a number that's set in motion by a four measure bass ostinato and marked by the presentation of open pathways for exploration; "Arrhythmia," a buoyant yet relaxed nod to the leader's heart condition; "(Millie) In June," a waltzing swing number that finds O'Connell and saxophonist

Andrew Gould

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gould working in lyrical fashion; and "Crayons," a straight-eighth number in seven that feels perfectly natural. As for covers, O'Connell gives us an energetic trip through pianist

Cedar Walton

piano
1934 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Cedar Walton's "Bolivia" and an appropriately misty "In The Wee Small Hours." Both numbers prove to be completely in line with expectations.

There's plenty of blowing room in this program, giving O'Connell, Gould, guitarist Tim Basom, pianist

Tuomo Uusitalo

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Tuomo Uusitalo, bassist

Peter Slavov

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Slavov, and drummer

Jimmy Macbride

drums
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Macbride ample space to shine. But O'Connell doesn't sacrifice the integrity of his work to allow for that space. He's managed to showcase the strong solo personalities in his band while also crafting memorable tunes and arrangements. Arrhythmia is a great first step for a trombonist and composer who's likely to keep moving in the right direction.

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Track Listing

Lament; Gray Matter; Bolivia; Arrhythmia; In The Wee Small Hours; (Millie) In June; Crayons; Solidarity.

Personnel

Jimmy O'Connell

trombone

Jimmy O'Connell: trombone; Andrew Gould: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Tim Bason: guitar; Tuomo Uusitalo: piano; Peter Slavov: bass; Jimmy Macbride: drums.

Album information

Title: Arrhythmia | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Outside In Music

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