02-25-2024, 09:59 PM
Last night at Portland Performing Arts Center, Newmark Theater.
Bob James at 84 is still playing at a high level. More than that, he has put together a superb quartet of talented young musicians.
Seen here with James is Ukrainian saxophonist Andrey Chmut. Also in the quartet are drummer James Adkins and upright bassist Michael Palazzolo. I couldn't find any YT links featuring this particular config but I'm sure you'll be seeing more of them in the future.
The band featured the perfect balance of tight ensemble playing with well placed and artfully delivered solos. Drummer Adkins and sax Chmut both were standouts and had the audience on their feet several times. It was more mainstream jazz than fusion with James on acoustic piano only, delivering some well placed solos and the occasional excursion into outside harmonics. Not really what I was expecting but stunning.
Couple of minor complaints. The piano mix could have been better. Sounded a little shrill and too focused And it was all too short, only one set, to leave time for Lee Ritenour. I dig Ritenour but I would have enjoyed another set or two from James.
Both drummers were using two snares, with great effect. That must be a thing now, seems like I'm seeing it more and more. Ritenour's drummer was his son, who was really solid but not as virtuosic and compelling as Adkins. Be on the lookout for him.
Anyone in the Seattle area can see this group next week at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley next week. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artis...ownum=7410 I'm tempted.
Bob James at 84 is still playing at a high level. More than that, he has put together a superb quartet of talented young musicians.
Seen here with James is Ukrainian saxophonist Andrey Chmut. Also in the quartet are drummer James Adkins and upright bassist Michael Palazzolo. I couldn't find any YT links featuring this particular config but I'm sure you'll be seeing more of them in the future.
The band featured the perfect balance of tight ensemble playing with well placed and artfully delivered solos. Drummer Adkins and sax Chmut both were standouts and had the audience on their feet several times. It was more mainstream jazz than fusion with James on acoustic piano only, delivering some well placed solos and the occasional excursion into outside harmonics. Not really what I was expecting but stunning.
Couple of minor complaints. The piano mix could have been better. Sounded a little shrill and too focused And it was all too short, only one set, to leave time for Lee Ritenour. I dig Ritenour but I would have enjoyed another set or two from James.
Both drummers were using two snares, with great effect. That must be a thing now, seems like I'm seeing it more and more. Ritenour's drummer was his son, who was really solid but not as virtuosic and compelling as Adkins. Be on the lookout for him.
Anyone in the Seattle area can see this group next week at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley next week. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artis...ownum=7410 I'm tempted.
![[Image: yVdL8af.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/yVdL8af.jpg)
