Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Steve Messick: Endemic Ensemble: Tangled
Steve Messick: Endemic Ensemble: Tangled
Steve Messick
bass, acousticb.1970
David Franklin
piano
Matso Limtiaco
arrangerb.1963
Travis Ranney
saxophoneTwo of the composers in Endemic Ensemble have roots in large ensemble,or big band jazz, Messick with Orchestra Seattle, and with Limtiaco in the Emerald City Jazz Orchestra.
Travis Ranney
saxophoneThroughout these nine closely crafted compositions, the rhythm section is solid, relying on a straight ahead approach, from which the soloists outside of Ranney take little advantage. While the performance portrayed on this album comes across as very capable and professional, it expresses a feel more emanating from an academic technical approach, at times lacking the spontaneity and adventuresome spirit of the bandstand. One might get the feeling the musicians need to break free of the tether the studio provides, and the recording process assures, and delve into the creative world influenced by real life in club dates and jam sessions. There appears to be a lot of life yet to inject into this project.
The opening salvo, Messick's "Sugar Ant," opens with an Ellington like theme, the beautiful metered arrangement leading to a strikingly
Johnny Hodges
saxophone, alto1907 - 1970
Pianist Franklin displays his "not afraid to swing" piano style, with his composition, the title track, "Tangled." Following a riveting latin intro, the sax combination of Ranney and Limtiaco carries the melody line into Franklin's lovely solo. Ranney once again displays his skills as the combo's premier soloist. His offering on this number begins as a duo with Messick, building into a trio adding drums, and then shifting into overdrive with the full rhythm section supporting a meteoric solo that stands out ultimately as the creative thread for the true jazz listener throughout these nine compositions.
Messick's "The Snort," personifies perfectly the overall sound he was searching for in assembling this unique instrumentation, and envisioning these equally unique personalities. Though the baritone of Limtiaco will never be compared to bop master
Gary Smulyan
saxophone, baritoneb.1956
Pepper Adams
saxophone, baritone1930 - 1986
Gerry Mulligan
saxophone, baritone1927 - 1996
Limtiaco's "Tolovana Stomp," is the album's most intoxicating melody, harmony and arrangement. The lively and inspired energy is drenched in the entire jazz tradition. Ranney's solo flows like spring runoff cascading over the rhythm's break, swinging hard, with Messick's bass line providing the backbone and pulse, from stomp to swing and back.
Mr. Limtiaco does not stop there. The album's dynamic finale, "Retro," is his as well, and is perhaps the most memorable melody of the session. Writing a piece for this ensemble from the perspective of the baritone saxophone, seems to be fitting. Playing with wit and tonal elegance, Limtiaco combines with Ranney to play with a feel reminiscent of the classic works of
Thad Jones
trumpet1923 - 1986
Mel Lewis
drums1929 - 1990
Tangled is a solid effort from this evolving ensemble. Messick's vision is one that needs to continue forward on its journey. It is clear that the band is a complement of skilled composers, and musicians, who have an ever expansive narrative to share. Let's hope we have the opportunity to see them live on the bandstand in the near future. The fine writing and pedigree of musicianship demands the exploration and introspection only live interpretive performance can provide. For that, I anxiously look forward. ">
Track Listing
Sugar Ant; Tangled; The Snort; Change of Scenery; The Tolovana Stomp; Maui Chimes; Goodbye, Old Friend; Nassau Place; Retro
Personnel
Steve Messick
bass, acousticSteve Messick: bandleader, double bass; Travis Ranney: tenor and soprano saxophones; Matso Limtiaco: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; David Franklin: piano; Christian Krehbiel: drums
Album information
Title: Endemic Ensemble: Tangled | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced
Tags
endemic ensemble
Steve Messick
CD/LP/Track Review
Paul Rauch
Self Produced
United States
Washington
Seattle
Steve Messick
David Franklin
Matso Limtiaco
Christian Krehbiel
Travis Ranney
Johnny Hodges
Gary Smulyan
Pepper Adams
Gerry Mulligan
Thad Jones
Mel Lewis
Endemic Ensemble: Tangled
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