Description:
Presented in the early 1990s as a full-blown media darling, followed by a short tenure surrounding himself with jazz heavyweights, media-savvy tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman eventually got down to the business of living up to the hype. In this mission he has sometimes faltered. Freedom in the Groove was a bland attempt to cast old-school funk and hip-hop with hard bop, and Timeless Tales (for Changing Times) cast Redman as a jazz journeyman plying standards such as "Yesterdays" and "Love for Sale." These were interesting efforts, but lacked creative risk. With 2000's Beyond, Redman seemed to have finally fou
Presented in the early 1990s as a full-blown media darling, followed by a short tenure surrounding himself with jazz heavyweights, media-savvy tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman eventually got down to the business of living up to the hype. In this mission he has sometimes faltered. Freedom in the Groove was a bland attempt to cast old-school funk and hip-hop with hard bop, and Timeless Tales (for Changing Times) cast Redman as a jazz journeyman plying standards such as "Yesterdays" and "Love for Sale." These were interesting efforts, but lacked creative risk. With 2000's Beyond, Redman seemed to have finally found himself, perhaps proving that the hyperbole was justified. Passage of Time continues Redman's breakthrough, fired not only by his self-realization, but also by his highly spirited band, consisting of pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Ruben Rogers, and super-drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Passage of Time is swift in message, concise in conception. Redman makes these eight songs compact vehicles, full of soaring melodies, rapt interplay, and luxurious, introspective, probing solos. The songs are loosely conceived through warm melodies, as the band's elastic improvs reshape the balance and direction of each song. The opening "Before" is a solo saxophone lament, setting the stage for the stormy, contemplative music ahead. "Free Speech, Phase I" works a willowy melody illustrated by hard-bop changes and flexible rhythms. "Free Speech, Phase II" is equally graceful, with even greater rhythmic daring from the musicians, particularly Hutchinson, who is expanding on the style of the explosive Jeff "Tain" Watts. "Our Minuet" and "Time" are sumptuous ruminations combining the introspection of Wayne Shorter with the soulful swing of Gene Ammons. "Enemies Within" rides a Latin groove, giving pianist Goldberg a chance to strut his best Ruben Gonzalez chordal hurricanes, as the band mambos and swings down below. The album closes with the bluesy "After," a gospel-like exultation that perfectly resolves Joshua Redman's latest passage of time. --Ken Micallef
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Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
Release date: 27 March 2001
Number of discs: 1
EAN: 0093624799726 UPC: 093624799726
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