VIC JURIS
For the Music
Vic Juris guitar
Tim Hagans trumpet
Jay Anderson bass
Jeff Hirshfield drums
Victim
Sim
For The Music
If I Should Lose You
Folk Song
A Weaver Of Dreams
You Don't Know What Love is
For Emily
Back Row Hi Jinx
Total time: 53.63
In essence, a Jazz group occupies its time engaged in the art of
conversation. Four players improvising over a musical structure usually
have sign posts along the way which serve to guide the musical
conversation along certain lines of thought. These guidelines may appear
as an harmonic progression or melodic line of some sort, etc. The
similarity to an actual verbal conversation when there is a mutually
agreed upon subject under discussion is obvious. The challenge and goals
are similar: to express one's view within the context of the subject
matter talking into consideration and respecting each of the other
participant's feelings and thoughts.
When successful, the result is group consensus and a unified vision.
But, there is after all, quite subtle, because a musical image, though
quite clear to experienced musicians is by its nature open to multiple
definitions. Therefore, for high level group communication to take
place, the individuals involved must be both skillful and empathetic to
each other.
Guitarist VIC JURIS has put together just such a group with very
satisfying results. Although the recording is under the guitarist's name
as a leader, it is apparent that the group concept was foremost. This
is definitely not a leader/sideman type of recording. There is a unity
of purpose here which should be apparent to any interested listener. In
fact, this quartet is constructed of two smaller duos. The bass/drum
team of Jay Anderson and Jeff Hirshfield are very keyed
into each other as one would expect from the fact that they are much in
demand for such occasions. With the itinerant nature of the contemporary
Jazz scene where musicians often come together for only one or two
short-lived projects, it is rare these days to have such a strong rhythm
section team. On the other side, Vic and trumpeter Tim Hagans
are highly empathetic, melodically and harmonically. The resulting
interaction works excellently as it has throughout Jazz history when
strong parings of musicians play together.
Another aspect which is apparent here is the depth of these musician's
experience heard by the variety of musical formats presented. As leader,
and thereafter the final judge of the presentation, this is a direct
reflection of Vic's wide musical background. The quintessent New York
guitarist, Juris has recording and performing credits with the likes of
Phil Wood, Al Cohn, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Stitt, Mel Torme, Gary Peacock
and others as well as three previous dates as a leader. His ability to
play comfortably in a wide variety of contexts is clearly demonstrated
throughout this recording. Along with a flawless technique, crisp time
and articulation and a beautiful sound, we are hearing a mature artist
on all accounts.The material features both standards and originals
ranging from the free bop line Victim to the rubato For the Music. The harmonically demanding For Emily
dedicated to the late Emily Remler, "You Don't Know What Love Is"
receives a fresh point of view, evidenced especially by Hagan's clever
use of chromaticism. In fact, Tim shines throughout as he avoids melodic
clinches and uses a daring harmonic approach in his style.
Overall, Vic Juris presents a highly musical recording, devoid of any
pretense or use of gimmicks. How refreshing it is to hear four fine
musicians truly conversing together - "For the Music". David Liebman
CD jp 1034 David Liebmann "Vic Juris presents a highly musical
recording, devoid of any pretense or use of gimmicks. How refreshing it
is to hear four fine musicians truly conversing together".
Our price: 15,60 EUR
incl. 16.0% MWSt. / VAT
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