By: Matt Warnock
Sheryl Bailey: For All Those Living
In previous eras, there seemed to be two very distinct camps in the jazz world, those that prefer to play “traditional”, bebop-oriented jazz and those that took a more modern approach to the music, which posed a problem in itself since one person’s modern jazz is Wayne Shorter circa 1970 and to someone else it’s Ben Monder. In recent years, it seems that the jazz world has evolved a new subgenre, that of the “Modern Bebop” player, one who’s playing is steeped in the traditional jazz vocabulary, but that are also open to modern harmonic, rhythmic and melodic concepts as well. Sheryl Bailey is just such a player that fits into this new category of jazzer, and her latest album, For All Those Living, is a showcase for her traditionally steeped, yet modernly tinged, approach to jazz guitar, composition and improvisation.
The record is a dynamite collection of eight original compositions, written and arranged by Bailey, that are performed eloquently by the guitarist and her quartet, which is composed of pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Gary Want and drummer Shingo Okudaira. This ensemble sticks together like glue and they’re so deep into the pocket they’re finding last year’s change. Each musician knows their role in the ensemble and on each song, finding the perfect time to lay back and let the soloist take the reins, and then quickly pouncing on a conversational idea from the lead player in moments of group interaction, such as the wonderful drum work behind Bailey’s guitar solo on the album’s opener, “An Unexpected Turn.”
There are plenty of “old school” Blue Note type moments on the record, such as the bluesy “Masa’s Bag,” which shines a spotlight on the gritty, down and dirty, soulful playing that has made Bailey a standout in the modern jazz guitar community. But, there are also more modern moments, such as “A Muse Sings,” which features some ear-grabbing chord voicings, intricate ensemble interaction, and a more modern-style solo by Bailey that flows over the harmony like water on a riverbed. The chords move in interesting, and sometimes unexpected ways, yet Bailey’s solo never jumps or gets choppy. Instead, she easily maneuvers the progression in a way that is both inspired and seamless, a testament to the high level of musicianship she possesses in her playing, no matter what the style or musical situation.
For All Those Living is a standout record by one of the top jazz guitarists on the scene today. The compositions are creative, the arrangements are carefully brought together and everyone performs at a world-class level. As well, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this record will go to the Ronald McDonald House of New York City. So you can not only take home an outstanding record, but you can help out a truly worthwhile cause in the process. It doesn’t get any better than that.
