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Jared Hall: Seen on the Scene

By Jack Bowers
August 25, 2021
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Seen on the Scene, Seattle-based trumpeter

Jared Hall

trumpet
b.1985

" data-original-title="" title="">Jared Hall's second album as a leader, has a lot going for it: tight-knit group unity and tasteful dynamics; bright, technically polished solos by all hands; and engaging tunes by Hall and the late bop master,

Tadd Dameron

piano
1917 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Tadd Dameron. As a bonus, the acclaimed alto saxophonist

Vincent Herring

saxophone, alto
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Vincent Herring is "on the scene" to share the front line with Hall, elevating the session whenever he assumes the spotlight.

Hall's sound is crisp and clean, his solos sharp and resourceful, as are those of Herring and pianist

John Hansen

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">John Hansen. Some of their best work can be heard on the persuasive "Force for Good," the fourth of Hansen's five bop-leaning compositions. The others are "Thinker," "Coral Way," "Farewell" and the title song, which opens the album on a swinging note wherein a brief intro by bassist

Michael Glynn

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Glynn leads to the enticing melody and agile solos by Hansen, Hall and Herring.

Dameron is so close to Hall's heart that he and the ensemble perform the composer's well-known ballad "If You Could See Me Now" not once but twice, the last a more extended version that rings down the curtain (the first is a duo essay by Hall and Hansen). Dameron also wrote the more animated "Mating Call," which precedes Francis Lai's warm-hearted theme from the movie Love Story, the only item on the menu not written by Hall or Dameron. The ensemble adopts a graceful posture on "Thinker," written by Hall to celebrate the birth of his son, before quickening the rhythmic pulse on "Coral Way."

While every number on the album is admirable, pride of place must go to "Force for Good," which swings from start to finish and brings out the best in everyone including the quintet's exemplary rhythm section (Hansen, Glynn, drummer

Matt Jorgensen

drums
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Jorgensen). In sum, a rich and rewarding sophomore enterprise by Hall and his talented teammates.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Seen on the Scene; Mating Call; Theme from Love Story; Thinker; Coral Way; If You Could See Me Now; Force for Good; Farewell; If You Could See Me Now.

Personnel

Jared Hall

trumpet

Vincent Herring

saxophone, alto

John Hansen

piano

Michael Glynn

bass, acoustic

Matt Jorgensen

drums

Album information

Title: Seen on the Scene | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Origin Records

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