Featured Artist: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach and The Jazz Perpetrators
CD Title: Come Out Swingin'
Year: 2003
Record Label: Wind Tunnel Multimedia
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach (trumpet, flute, flugelhorn, alto flute, trombone, evi organ/vibes), Miles Black (piano), Craig Scott (drums), Miles Foxx Hill (bass), Michael Bublé (vocal, on “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”)
Review: Releasing two such different albums as Come Out Swingin’, which is a straight-ahead affair, and Gabriel’s Horns, which goes after the smooth jazz market, can be a gamble. On one hand, by addressing two such different aspects of the jazz market, multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Mark Hasselbach ensures as wide an exposure as possible; on the other hand, releasing recordings in two styles might dilute the public’s view of the artist. Without having heard Gabriel’s Horns, if it is as successful in its niche as Come Out Swingin’, then Hasselbach will have nothing to worry about; Come Out Swingin’ is a fine recording of mainstream jazz; Hasselbach clearly understands the genre, and so does his crack quartet.
With a career that has seen him work with artists including John Denver, Long John Baldry and, most notably, Canada’s Powder Blues Band, Hasselbach also has had a long and successful career as a solo artist; with nine prior solo recordings to his name, he has over twenty-five years honing a strong sound on a number of instruments, including trumpet, flugelhorn and flutes. Additionally, he is considered Canada’s foremost exponent on digital wind instruments; on Come Out Swingin’ he uses the EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) to emulate vibes and organ. Multi-instrumentalists often sound capable on their instruments, but rarely exceptional; Hasselbach demonstrates a command on each and every one of his chosen instruments that is impressive.
With a programme that includes a healthy dose of standards plus two originals, Hasselbach leads his quartet through pieces that range from the Latin-tinged “Underground Vibe” to the delicate ballad, “You Don’t Know What Love Is”; from the lightly swinging “I Love Paris” to the bluesy walk of “Lullaby of Birdland.” Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, with whom Hasselbach has been performing as a special guest in recent days, sits in on Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
In the short space of twenty years, pianist Miles Black has performed on over one hundred-and-fifty albums as a sideman, as well being featured on albums under his own name. He has a light touch, and a keen sense of empathy for the players around him. Craig Scott is a tasteful drummer who has appeared with artists including Karin Plato. Bassist Miles Foxx Hill has a varied background, including performing credits with artists including Freddie Hubbard and Oliver Jones. Together, Black, Hill and Scott provide an ideal backdrop for Hasselbach’s instrumental prowess.
Fans of smooth jazz should not be put off by the more straight-ahead nature of Come Out Swingin’; there are no rough edges and the group plays with a deftness of touch and lightness of approach that gives this album a broader cross-over appeal; fans of more mainstream jazz will be impressed by the approach Hasselbach has taken to a set of well-worn standards; in his hands they are well-worth revisiting.
Tracks: Underground Vibe, You Don't Know What Love Is, I've Got You Under My Skin, Blue Miles, Angel Eyes, I Love Paris, Lullaby of Birdland, I Love You, Round Midnight, There Will Never Be Another You, Blue Bossa, Centerpiece
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