bas

I had the pleasure of checking out a clinic and a concert by Cuong Vu and his working/recording trio last weekend and was knocked out by the way that he spoke of his approach to the music he plays, but also his ability to pull it off on the horn. I found his sound to be resonant and full of colors and his ability to manipulate it was astounding.

He played a couple of tunes with a very good college big band and smoked a tune based on "I Hear A Rhapsody", taking a giant step away from traditional hardbop, but dealing with the harmony in a Haganesque way. I was moved by his sound and note choices on a chart they played on "Blue and Green"...sublime! Cuong and the band were joined by his trio, Ted Poor on drums and Stomu Takeishi on bass to close the first set with a Kim Richmond arrangement of "Nardis". They took theband to another level...and the band hung!.... Burnin'....!

The second set was just trio...full of beautiful simple melodies, loops. effects, serious grooves and open free improvisations that snapped back into form on a dime. Cuong and Stomu had artful control of their electronic effects and layering.....really ear-candy after hearing and working with 32-34 high school bands and playing two concerts over a two day period.

Anyone checked out his new side called "It's Mostly Residual" with Frisell on guitar?

BflatAnklan

Cuong is currently my favorite jazz trumpet player.

Also check out his stuff on Artistshare. If you don't have them, he's got two great albums called Bound and another called Come Play With Me. Both are incredible!

Later

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Matthew Anklan

www.myspace.com/matthewanklan