Musicians: Steve Treseler (saxes), Dawn Clement (piano), Chris Spencer (guitar), Jon Hamar (acoustic bass), Steve Korn (drums), Dean Schmidt (electric bass)
Review:
Pure, unpretentious yet cerebral, and full of body. That pretty much sums up this effort by clarinetist/saxophonist Steve Treseler and his competent band on this album, Resonance. There’s about as much reflective expression and substance as you could want in such a pristine offering. This is a true study in serious jazz. Horn doubling, tight--almost funky--piano passages in a hopped-up bluesy formula, suave timing, strongly supportive bass runs, and colorful guitar riffs, all place this piece of music on the upper shelves of great straight-ahead jazz.
Each tune here has a distinct presence and message of sorts. The energetic cut, “Two Not One,” jitterbugs right into the mellow, sweet, and dreamy caress of “Redemption,” to be followed much later by the new-age-like “Vina’s Lullaby” and the bluesy finale, “Look For the Silver Lining.” This all keeps one’s interest intact throughout the fine recording. As mentioned earlier, I sense a distinct seriousness about this music, not unlike many other artists, but yet distinctive and defining.
Not being a devout straight-ahead jazz buff takes nothing away from my assessment that Treseler is a bonafide big player in this arena who provides just enough of other ingredients to keep it all fascinating and fresh. Maybe it’s that seriousness that brings about the commitment to excellence and the search for that which will provoke excitement and eager acceptance by listeners. Whatever it is, Treseler has found it.
Tracks: Opening From The Sweet Time Suite, The Gathering, Two Not One, Redemption, Acrobatics, Naked As We Come, Palindrome For Roo, Vina's Lullaby, Look For the Silver Lining
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