CELLAR MUSIC (RECORDED FEBRUARY 2024)
Every so often, Canadian bassist Neil Swainson steps out from the shadows of a rhythm section in someone else’s group to lead his own band. Here For a While is his third release as a leader during his 50-plus year career. As in his past two recordings (49th Parallel and Fire in the West), he is far more than simply a leader. He is a talented composer, arranger and let’s not forget his lyrical and inventive bass playing! Here For a While brings together Swainson with pianist Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Brad Turner, saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, trombonist Steve Davis and drummer Quincy Davis on nine beautifully-crafted originals. Swainson’s “little big band” blend of the three horn front line opens the medium up-tempo waltz “At The End of Day,” leading to well-paced and well played solos from Rosnes, Turner, Jefferson and Swainson. Whether the band is playing a bossa (“In The Path of Angels”), blues (“Jerry’s Blues”), ballads (“Here For a While”) or up-tempo swingers (“One For Rob”), the results are the same — memorable melodies, great arrangements and concise and compelling solos from all. “Madrona” even provides an opportunity to showcase the interplay between the trio of Rosnes, Swainson and Davis on this Bill Evans-like jazz waltz. Swainson manages to capture the “relaxed energy” of classic dates from The Jazztet, The Jazz Messengers and numerous Bluenote sessions, but does so in a modern fashion with his solid arrangements, original compositions and flawless performances from an exceptional cast of soloists.
BOTTOM LINE: With a front line of three horns, Here For a While, could have easily descended into a hackneyed jam session. But with Neil Swainson’s compositions, arrangements, bass playing, and the support of Renee Rosnes, Steve Davis, Kelly Jefferson, Brad Turner and Quincy Davis, Here For a While is a cohesive and classic small group date with a big sound, joyous spirit and lots of soul.
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