By: Vince Lewis
Dan Phillips is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. He represented the college at the Montreal Jazz festival in his senior year of undergraduate school.
He has been a bandleader in Chicago, New York, Tokyo and now in Bangkok. He is a composer and educator who currently is Lecturer of Guitar and Jazz Studies at Silpakorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Phillips has performed internationally with artists such as Gerald Wilson, Danillo Perez, Judy Roberts, Jeff Parker, John Stowell and Ed Thigpen.
His Chicago based trio, Bangkok Edge, released three CDs, and his latest project is an educational DVD titled, Jazz Guitar Basics and Beyond.
Phillips is joined here by Jakob Dinesen [Tenor Sax], Chanutr Techatana-nan [Drums] and Pornchart Viriyapark [Bass]. Each is a fine player in their own right and contributes perfectly to their dynamic role in the ensemble. The opening selection is the Sam Rivers’ composition “Beatrice.”
Thinking of Sam Rivers and modern Jazz may seem a little strange, but this unique treatment moves his writing into new territory. Phillips provides lush and full chord voicings in just the right places, and solos effortlessly over the light Latin / funk groove. “The Observer” is a modern swing tune with interesting and dissonant harmonic construction.
The Henry Mancini classic “The Days Of Wine and Roses“ is given a new life here with shifting meters and punches in the statement of the melody. Phillips immediately takes it very outside for his solo. His tone is clean and traditional while his improvised lines are much more in the free jazz genre in their direction. “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing” by Billy Strayhorn follows. Phillips develops an interesting re-harmonization over a somewhat pensive bass line.
“Have You Met Miss Jones” is played as a bright Jazz Waltz. Dinesen solos quite effectively while Phillips and the rhythm section provide some interesting rhythmic punches in the background. The Thelonious Monk tune “Ask Me Now” is next in the playing order. Phillips gives it a nice relaxed slow swing feel that works perfectly. Other selections include “26 – 2,“ “Naima” and “Evidence.” The one Phillips original is titled “Blues For ?.”
Dan Phillips is an interesting player who blends a modern and free approach with a more mainstream tone. While his playing may be a little more outside than some listeners may appreciate, he definitely is highly skilled and provides a unique voice in the jazz guitar world.
This effort is definitely worth a listen.
