Word: jazz
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...more immediately arresting than the other, which features the relatively subtler, more angular style of pianist Geri Allen. Allen's set features more integrated playing and arguably more depth than Rubalcaba's virtuostic display, however. In the end, both recordings prove to be quality examples of contemporary small-group jazz. They are worthwhile, though not essential, acquisitions for serious acoustic jazz fans...
Haden's contributions to many landmark albums of jazz, most notably those of innovative saxophonist Ornette Coleman in the 1960s, prompted the series of tribute concerts from which these recordings are culled. The eight concerts, given in 1989 in Montreal, featured Haden playing with many prominent musical colleagues. These marked the third and fourth releases; two performances from the series were released a few years ago, and more may be yet to come...
Even with his impressive, ground-breaking body of work, Haden continues to play and innovate, and is widely considered one of the top acoustic bassists in jazz today. Though the Montreal Tapes, with their relatively standard arrangements, do not push the envelope of jazz like Haden's most novel work, they display his solid and adaptable bass style in abundance...
...trio kicks in, we get to appreciate Haden's tasteful and supportive, but never cliched, accompaniment style. His use of unison double-stops on the opening cut is particularly striking, and his unerrant intonation and rhythmic sense carry throughout the performance. Unlike some of the younger bassists in jazz today, Haden does not rely upon technically impressive devices such as quadruple-timing or playing at the extreme high registers of his instrument to carry his solos. This is to his credit, because his ideas don't get buried under contrived affectations, but shine through with their melodic sense and foundation...
...have enjoyed remarkable success in the UK, celebrating the coincidence of their tenth album and their tenth year, hence 10. And 10 capably combines the beautifully melodic with the infectiously upbeat. The album is mellow, but not sleepy--a charming combination of pop and a touch of big band jazz...