Contrary to what the irreverent title of Narrative Quartet’s second album might suggest, Trust Fund Tinder Goblins Howling at the Moon is a set of seriously sober mainstream jazz. The tenor saxophonists Adam Larson and Chris Madsen trade heroic solos with impeccable support from guitarist Scott Hesse, bassist Clark Sommers and drummer John Kizilarmut. The coalition of Kansas City and Chicago musicians are an exemplary example of the burly swing associated with both cities. Listeners of all persuasions will be inclined to howl with delight.
Concert Review: The Adam Larson Quartet at the Blue Room
Original image by Plastic Sax.
Adam Larson lamented that his children prefer the music of the Epic Sax Guy to that of their father during the interview portion of the Blue Room’s noon jazz series on Thursday, June 6. Assuming a sardonic tone of exasperation, Larson joked “I’m the epic sax guy!”
In fact, each member of Larson’s quartet displayed heroic artistry at the Blue Room. Pianist Roger Wilder and drummer John Kizilarmut may never have sounded better. The Chicago based Clark Sommers conjured bassist Jimmy Garrison on an excerpt of “A Love Supreme”.
Propulsive renditions of the classics “Conception”, “Punjab” and “Light Blue” were rendered with astounding sophistication. Larson’s kids will eventually recognize what dedicated jazz fans already know: during June 2024, Larson and his colleagues were truly epic jazz guys.
Album Review: The Alex Frank Quartet- Reclaim
Matt Otto’s Umbra, Plastic Sax’s favorite album of 2023, features elegant contributions from guitarist Alex Frank. The Kansas City musician makes a similarly graceful statement on his new album Reclaim. Accompanied by keyboardist Matt Villinger, bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer John Kizilarmut, Frank displays uncommon melodic bounce and an optimistic sensibility. Frank often seems on the verge of shredding, but in keeping with his tasteful playing with Otto, restraint is the byword of Reclaim.
Album Review: Narrative Quintet- Narrative
Narrative tells a beautiful story. The new album featuring Kansas City’s Adam Larson on tenor saxophone and John Kizilarmut on drums is a tale of beneficent cooperation with the Chicago based tenor saxophonist Chris Madsen, guitarist Scott Hesse and bassist Clark Sommers. In spite of the configuration, Narrative isn’t a dueling tenors date. The quintet works together on the mainstream session that’s less incendiary than Larson’s recently completed With Love trilogy. The uplifting tracks are comforting rather than confrontational. The captivating Narrative is imprinted with scores of happy ever afters.
Album Review: Matt Otto- Umbra
Umbra, the Matt Otto album released in August by Origin Records, is an understated masterpiece. Imbued with quiet grace, Umbra reflects the subtle magnanimity associated with Otto, a Kansas City saxophonist with a cool West Coast approach.
Yet the vaguely threatening “Little Things” opens Umbra. The core trio of saxophonist Otto, bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer Kizilarmut is supplemented by shadowy contributions from trumpeter Hermon Mehari, keyboardist Matt Villinger and guitarist Alex Frank.
The musicians seem intent on pursuing peaceful resolutions on the remainder of the album. Otto promptly sets about addressing the quandary on the gorgeous second selection “Hawk.”
“Paw Paw,” perhaps Umbra’s best track, mirrors the excellence of Otto’s previous 2023 album Kansas City Trio. Kizilarmut’s sly playing indicates he’s become one of the elite drummers in improvised music.
The elastic “Melisma” concludes Umbra by alluding to the tension presented in “Little Things.” Profound equanimity, paired with extraordinary musicianship, gracefully resolve the album’s intellectual and spiritual challenges.
Album Review: Chris Hazelton- After Dark
The beloved Kansas City musician Everette DeVan died two years ago. Chris Hazelton, one of the organist’s most accomplished apprentices, revives the congenial style associated with DeVan on his new album After Dark.
Hazelton’s Hammond B-3 mastery is supplemented by baritone saxophonist Brett Jackson, guitarist Jamie Anderson, percussionist Patrick Conway and drummer John Kizilarmut.
After Dark is immediately familiar and luxuriously comfortable. Hazelton sounds terrific, but it’s Jackson’s rich playing that makes the recording stand out.
The album is a vibrant affirmation that Charlie Parker- born August 29, 1920- isn’t the only Kansas City jazz icon remembered this month. Everette DeVan lives!
Album Review: Matt Otto- Kansas City Trio
The three trio albums Adam Larson released in a 14-month span are one of the most artistically rewarding achievements undertaken by a Kansas City musician in years. As if in response to Larson’s vital statement, Matt Otto issued the similarly daring Kansas City Trio on June 30.
Three Kansas City bassists- Bob Bowman, Jeff Harshbarger Ben Leifer- and three locally based drummers- John Kizilarmut, Marty Morrison and Brian Steever- construct interesting frameworks for Otto’s endlessly imaginative excursions.
The robust intellect, sly humor and gracious humanity displayed by Otto imbue the 12 tracks with magnificent grace. While his trios are always controlled and cool, their approaches emanate from the adventurous edge of mainstream jazz.
Relatively young artists, Larson and Otto are in their artistic primes. Any mid-size city would be lucky to claim one such elite saxophonist. Kansas City is exceptionally fortunate that both Larson and Otto call Kansas City home.
Album Review: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City
With Love, From Chicago, the album the Kansas City based saxophonist Adam Larson released in February, is outstanding. Good news: the followup With Love, From Kansas City is its equal.
The Kansas City based tandem of bassist Ben Leifer and drummer John Kizilarmut is as formidable as the rhythm section of Clark Sommers and Dana Hall featured on With Love, From Chicago.
On both alto and tenor, Larson’s tone possesses the impact of a pair of brass knuckles. Packed with swagger, the music made by the hard-charging trio crackles with energy.
“New Thread” sounds like an instant classic. An inventive take on Peter Shlamb’s “REL,” a recently minted Kansas City standard, is wonderful. A ferocious attack on Charlie Parker’s “Chi-Chi” is even more exciting.
Thousands of people recently celebrated the 102nd birthday of Parker by revisiting Bird’s recordings. Listening to Larson’s phenomenal new albums may be an even better way to acknowledge Parker’s legacy.