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Review of Paul Nash's 'Jazz Cycles' by All About Jazz http://groups.google.com
"musicsmd@gmail.com" (musicsmd@gmail.com) 2007/09/21 08:00

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In 2005, visionary composer/guitarist Paul Nash lost his battle with
brain cancer. Some six weeks prior to his passing, Nash was able to
complete production on Jazz Cycles, a suite orchestrated for his
ensemble, Manhattan New Music Project (MNMP). The resulting disc is
chock-full of intricate writing, spontaneous group interplay and
staggering solos. Stylistically, Nash's music runs the gamut of
contemporary jazz; from free-form, to post-bop to funk.

The ensemble work throughout the disc's fifteen tracks is stunning. In
the tradition of Gil Evans and Charles Mingus, Nash's thoughtfully
arranged compositions garner strength from the individual
personalities of some of the finest musicians performing in jazz
today. The camaraderie for each other and for the spirit of their
fallen leader can be heard from the opening theme and variations of
"Passaglia" to the immense waves of rhythmic gust on the closing
"Epilogue."

Each member of the MNMP is given ample solo space. Trumpeter Shane
Endsley blows with conviction on "Outside In," alto and soprano
saxophonist Bruce Williamson soars elegantly on "Ballad for T," tenor
saxophonist Tim Ries explores an aggressive edge on "Desire," pianist
Jim Ridl exercises immense patience on "Wind Over the Lake," bassist
Jay Anderson maintains a lyrical intensity on "Interlude 1" and
"Interlude 3," guitarist Vic Juris burns through "Tamalpais Night" and
drummer Grisha Alexiev brings vibrant closure to "It's Only a Dream."

The unwavering dedication of the members of MNMP to the legacy of Nash
and his incomparable work is heard in bursts of joyous conviction,
anguish and urgency. Jazz Cycles, amazingly recorded in a single six-
hour session, is an adventure in risk taking. Nash left a bright light
shining on the music world.

By John Barron, All About Jazz
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=26870

http://www.myspace.com/paulnashlegacy
http://www.mnmp.org


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