Musicians: Peter Buck (drums), John Daversa (trumpet, flugelhorn), Robby Marshall (tenor sax), Eli Brueggemann (piano), Edwin Livingston (bass)
Review:
Drummer Peter Buck presents his debut straight-ahead album, Buck’s Vibe, with a quiet confidence. There is nothing ostentatious or too heady here, just good basic grooves and a nice authoritative touch, not just by him, but by each member of his band.
Buck’s extensive career in the music business has included performances with the likes of Keb’ Mo’, Bonnie Raitt, Ice-T, Stevie Wonder, and Joe Sample, to name a few. As you can see from this partial list, his career spans a few genres.
The tunes here are light, airy, and possess solid quality and self-assurance that are quite obvious. The horn and piano components provide rich and pure scale work while Buck and bassist Edwin Livingston lay down the necessary solid and supportive base.
For the most part a sort of sleepy production, the album does have its lively spots—as well as "lively" can be defined here, anyway—with cuts like “One in the Crowd” and “Going Through.” Sleepy though it may be for this reviewer, the album is still comprised of a telling earthiness that makes it quite inviting, particularly to jazz purists. It bears witness to unassuming professionalism, proficiency, and stylistic insight. Obviously the genre of his choice, straight-ahead jazz fits him well. Quite likely, it will fit the classic jazz aficionado as well.
Tracks: The River's Soul, When You're Gone, One in the Crowd, Steppin' Up, Rocky Shore, Going Through, Spring Rain, Softly Glancing
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