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Chris Lightcap's Bigmouth: Epicenter

By Mark Corroto
March 12, 2015
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Chris Lightcap

bass
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Lightcap is a bassist's bassist. As a sideman to leaders such as

Regina Carter

violin
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Regina Carter,

Matt Wilson

drums
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Wilson,

Joe Morris

bass, acoustic
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Morris,

Marc Ribot

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Marc Ribot, and

" data-original-title="" title="">Craig Taborn, his rock-solid timekeeping can be quite inconspicuous. He is a sort of steadfast superglue that leaders and composers hold in high regard.

As a leader and composer, there is another Chris Lightcap. Epicenter, is his third Bigmouth release, following the quintet Deluxe (Clean Feed, 2010) and a quartet Bigmouth (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2002). He continues to display his ability to sculpt music utilizing a two-tenor saxophone lineup. Previously recording with

Tony Malaby

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony Malaby and

Bill McHenry

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill McHenry, then Malaby and

Andrew D'Angelo

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew D'Angelo, and now Malaby and

Chris Cheek

saxophone
b.1968

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

The first seven tracks here, "Lost And Found: New York" were commissioned by the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works in 2011. Lightcap's writing draws from the old jazz avant-garde that didn't eschew tempo and infectious pulse. The opening track "Nine South," with Craig Taborn reiterating Wurlitzer piano notes, weaves an intricate counterpane of sound. That quilt, perhaps comforter, is a synthesis of the absorbing groove laid down by the bassist and drummer

Gerald Cleaver

drums
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerald Cleaver and the two tenor attack. The brusque sound of Malaby is juxtaposed by Cheek's amicable approach. The title track, a take-off on the early music

Ornette Coleman

saxophone, alto
1930 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Ornette Coleman, pops with energy and vigor. The music spills both sweet and savory, with the rhythm section set to parboil.

With the keyboards of Taborn, the options available to Lightcap appear endless. He can play circular new music, hammer out a dense cloud of sound, and switch between acoustic and electric piano and organ. "Down East" is a pounding composition that is mulch for his band to attack and "Stillwell" and "Stone By Stone" wind gentler harmonies around each other. Lou Reed's "All Tomorrow's Parties" recalls the majesty of The Velvet Underground. Reminding us how guttersnipes can also be royalty.

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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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Chris Lightcap Concerts

Sep 12 Fri

Darius Jones Trio

Firehouse 12
New Haven, CT

Sep 20 Sat

Efw Presents: Darius Jones Trio

VBI Theatre at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
Poughkeepsie, NY

Nov 21 Fri

Jon Irabagon Quintet

Firehouse 12
New Haven, CT

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