TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - Another Review of Kelly Rossum's New CD, "Lines"

11-13-2006, 06:44 PM

Great review, Jimi. I'll use this opportunity to give my take. I have been delaying writing it, largely because there is so much to digest in this CD and I wanted to give it numerous listenings.

First of all, I agree 100% with your comment that the CD has Kelly's stamp on it throughout. I REALLY enjoyed the entire disc. While I enjoy a lot of avant garde jazz, this disc has a unity to it that I believe comes from just what you are saying, along with the unity that "Line" provides. I would also say that while at times the music is quite out there, it is extremely listenable for those not as familiar with the genre. The emphasis on melodic playing makes it so. At the same time, I think the disc as a whole places a lot of demands on the listener. It is pretty high energy throughout. I found myself wishing there was something more ballad-like to be had just to give my heart a break.

There is some great playing on the album! Kelly sounds fantastic on everything. The Bates boys provide a very cohesive groove throughout. There seems to be a kindred spirit and synergy between them and Kelly. The two saxophonists represent other ends of the spectrum. Woody seems most comfortable when way outside; Chris seems less comfortable in that mode. But in the end I really grew to appreciate the contrast that they provide.

I also liked the compositions a lot. I found it very interesting that while the harmonic content of this album is pretty free, there is so much added by the quality of the compositions. They are far more than just a jumping off point for each solo. Jimi's comment about the balance and blend in the front line is spot on. There are times when it is difficult to tell trumpet from soprano. I think the most interesting tune is Seduction, and it is most accessible of all. I agree with Jimi that it is a chance to catch your breath! But I also really dug Places of the Mindful, although it seemed a little out of place on this disc. It was fascinating to listen to.

I spent six years in Minneapolis, and I was familiar with Chris and J.T. in Motion Poets, but primarily knew Chris T and Kelly as classical musicians at the U of MN (although I knew they were both jazzers too). It was great to get an opportunity to see how these musicians have developed in the past seven years. Fantastic album Kelly! Congratulations on a very unique and enjoyable CD!

11-13-2006, 06:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dave Guest Posts: n/a	Great review, Jimi. I'll use this opportunity to give my take. I have been delaying writing it, largely because there is so much to digest in this CD and I wanted to give it numerous listenings. First of all, I agree 100% with your comment that the CD has Kelly's stamp on it throughout. I REALLY enjoyed the entire disc. While I enjoy a lot of avant garde jazz, this disc has a unity to it that I believe comes from just what you are saying, along with the unity that "Line" provides. I would also say that while at times the music is quite out there, it is extremely listenable for those not as familiar with the genre. The emphasis on melodic playing makes it so. At the same time, I think the disc as a whole places a lot of demands on the listener. It is pretty high energy throughout. I found myself wishing there was something more ballad-like to be had just to give my heart a break. There is some great playing on the album! Kelly sounds fantastic on everything. The Bates boys provide a very cohesive groove throughout. There seems to be a kindred spirit and synergy between them and Kelly. The two saxophonists represent other ends of the spectrum. Woody seems most comfortable when way outside; Chris seems less comfortable in that mode. But in the end I really grew to appreciate the contrast that they provide. I also liked the compositions a lot. I found it very interesting that while the harmonic content of this album is pretty free, there is so much added by the quality of the compositions. They are far more than just a jumping off point for each solo. Jimi's comment about the balance and blend in the front line is spot on. There are times when it is difficult to tell trumpet from soprano. I think the most interesting tune is Seduction, and it is most accessible of all. I agree with Jimi that it is a chance to catch your breath! But I also really dug Places of the Mindful, although it seemed a little out of place on this disc. It was fascinating to listen to. I spent six years in Minneapolis, and I was familiar with Chris and J.T. in Motion Poets, but primarily knew Chris T and Kelly as classical musicians at the U of MN (although I knew they were both jazzers too). It was great to get an opportunity to see how these musicians have developed in the past seven years. Fantastic album Kelly! Congratulations on a very unique and enjoyable CD!