Resolve by Clint Smith

06 Jul

Written by Michael Casano
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For some ungodly reason unknown to me, Mr. Smith’s CD is not on a proper label. Unbridled restraint would best describe this intricate and cerebral music. Resolve pushes forth an agenda which reigns prudently between the disparate worlds of waltz-driven guitar ballads and the avant-garde echoes of the past. Bassist Marco Panascia ‘s solid performance, as well as Mr. Smith’s always-smooth guitar style, provides the music with the necessary vision, periphery, and comfort. But the engine in this vehicle is Jordan Young, one of the best drummers that I have heard in quite some time. So, allow me to digress and once again ask why this CD is not on a proper label. Is Mr. Smith just shy, or are the labels dumber than a sack of rocks?

Compositionally, the music is thoughtful and pleasant, although I think some more variation is in order, as the songs sometimes drift together in sound and spirit and seem formulaic in nature. My advice to Mr. Smith would be to keep Panascia and Young for a new project, but take on another instrument, possibly woodwind in nature, which would keep in line with the compositional style set forth. A quartet would certainly offer more opportunity to add a bountiful array of variation, color, and texture to the music.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Clint Smith
CD Title: Resolve
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Independent
Tracks: Advent, Resolve, If I Had Known, Circumnavigation, West of the Nile, Love
Musicians: Clint Smith (acoustic and electric guitar), Marco Panascia (bass), Jordan Young (drums)
Label Website: -
Rating: Four Stars