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Jason Anick: Jason Anick: Tipping Point
ByJason Anick
violin
John Jorgenson
guitarb.1956
The eleven tracks are split between Anick's originals and interpretations of jazz standards, with the leader employing two different quartets. On the five originals, Anick switches between violin, acoustic and electric mandolin, showing the sort of form that prompted

Christian Howes
violinb.1972
Anick and alto saxophonist
Clay Lyons
saxophone, alto
Mike Connors
drums
Jason Yeager
pianoThe rhythmically mutating "Inspiration Point" swings between punchy, almost fractured time and free-flowing rhythms dictated by fast-walking bass and ticking ride cymbal. Lyons spars playfully with Anick, whose stylish electric mandolin solo sings like

Wes Montgomery
guitar1923 - 1968
The other two self-penned compositions serve up contrasting moods: The contemporary-sounding "Occupy"which won third prize in the jazz category of the International Songwriting Competition 2013stems from a simple bass ostinato and a gently seductive mandolin melody. A quickening bass pulse ushers in greater collective impetus, with piano and mandolin riffing powerfully. Yeager dabbles in a swirling,

Don Pullen
piano1941 - 1995
The half dozen non-originals have all been around the block a few times but Anick's smart arrangementsand vibrant playing from the second quartetanimate these old chestnuts. Anick leads the jazz manouche charge on

Django Reinhardt
guitar1910 - 1953
Adam Cote
bass
Horace Silver
piano1928 - 2014
The quartet has the wind in its sails on

Hank Mobley
saxophone, tenor1930 - 1986

Stephane Grappelli
violin1908 - 1997

Joe Venuti
violin1903 - 1978

Kris Jensen
saxophone, tenorb.1968

Ornette Coleman
saxophone, alto1930 - 2015
The great American Songbook inspires Anick and quartet to some of their finest playing: on Guy Wood and Robert Mellin's ballad "My One and Only Love" Anick and DeChamplain craft achingly beautiful solos, molding and embellishing the melody tenderly. Jerry Brainin and Buddy Bernier's "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" is executed with brio. DeChamplain and Anick both enjoy racing solos as Cote's fast-walking bass and Connor's light but propulsive rhythms drive the quartet. Anick saves his best for last, gliding effortlessly at pace through constantly inventive melodic figures. A salsa piano motif and riffing violin provide a final flourish.
A fine interpreter and captivating soloist, Anick's essentially melodic narratives draw from an extensive vocabulary, wedding lyricism and verve. The covers may stand out for their familiarity, but Anick's originals contain their own charms and warrant repeat listenings. On tunes old and new, Anick's snappy arrangements bring the best out of the first rate musicians, who contribute much to the success of the music. The CD title suggests Anick is leaning towards the direction he wants to take; on this evidence, Tipping Point could be the start of a beautiful adventure. ">
Track Listing
Stomped Out; Inspiration Point; Maryandra; Minor Blues; Peace; Occupy; This One’s For You; My One and Only Love; This I Dig of You; Turnaround; The Night Has A Thousand Eyes.
Personnel
Jason Anick
violinJason Anick: violin, acoustic and electric mandolin; Jason Yeager: piano (1-3, 6-7); Greg Loughman: bass (1-3, 6-7, 10); Mike Connors: drums: (1-3, 6-7, 10); Clay Lyons: alto saxophone (1-3, 6-7); Matt DeChamplain: piano (4-5, 8-9, 11); Adam Cote: bass (4-5, 8-9, 11); Lee Dynes: electric guitar (10); Kris Jensen: tenor saxophone (10).
Album information
Title: Jason Anick: Tipping Point | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Magic Fiddle Music
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