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Chris Lightcap's Bigmouth: Epicenter

By Mark F. Turner
April 7, 2015
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Track review of "Nine South"

"Nine South" from New York bassist Chris Lightcap's Epicenter ignites the rhythm sense with its undeniable influence from West African music. Written as part of a commissioned work granted by Chamber Music America New Jazz Works, the piece was inspired by Lightcap's routine drive into Manhattan. Propelled by contagious hooks, fiery solos, and powerful harmonies, the music is driven by Lightcap's Big Mouth, a dynamic band of jazz progressives who have performed sporadically together for over 10 years.

The multidimensional

Craig Taborn

piano
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Craig Taborn, here on Wurlitzer, leads the opening theme which is shadowed by stirring horn swells from saxophonists

Chris Cheek

saxophone
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Cheek and

Tony Malaby

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony Malaby. Taborn later opens up the groove with an expansive solo with nimble and exploring playing followed by a inquisitive and soulful statement by Malaby.

The piece moves from infectious dance music to almost unhinging itself when suddenly the syncopation changes and Taborn presents a new ostinato while drummer

Gerald Cleaver

drums
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerald Cleaver performs as if he's in a feverish trance with an unbridled yet dexterous solo. It's all masterfully held together by Lightcap's punchy arco in an opening track that grabs and refuses to let you go.

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Track Listing

Nine South; White Horse; Epicenter; Arthur Avenue; Down East; Stillwell; Stone by Stone; All Tomorrow's Parties.

Personnel

Chris Lightcap

bass

Chris Lightcap: bass, acoustic guitar, organ; Craig Taborn: Wurlitzer, electric piano, piano, organ; Tony Malaby: tenor saxophone; Chris Cheek: tenor saxophone; Gerald Cleaver: drums, percussion.

Album information

Title: Epicenter | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records

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