John Menegon: Sound Embrace

VALLEY JAZZ RECORDS (RECORDED JANUARY 2023)

For his sixth recording as a leader, bassist John Menegon assembled a group of musicians who share a geographic connection. They all are from or currently reside in Montreal, where this recording was made. That is quite different from his earlier recordings which mixed and matched players from Canada, the United States and Europe. Perhaps it’s that common ground shared by Menegon, saxophonist Chet Doxas, pianist Jean-Michel Pilc and drummer Jim Doxas that contributes to the casual and collaborative nature of Sound Embrace. Or could it be the original compositions Menegon brought to this session? Although he is known primarily for his bass playing with folks such as David “Fathead” Newman, Anthony Braxton, Dewey Redman and other notable musicians (not to mention his own recordings), Sound Embrace showcases Menegon’s exceptional writing skills. There’s the loping bass line of “Hi Ho Silver” that morphs into a laid-back swing tempo and the Latin-infused rhythm of “The Light of Bley.” Menegon excels at writing tender ballads such as “Love Bird,” angular pieces such as “Lasso” and more atmospheric compositions such as “Safe and Sound.” Then consider Menegon’s choice in musical partners. Doxas’ languid serpentine sax lines, often reminiscent of Charles Lloyd, are tailor-made for Menegon’s compositions. Pilc’s flexibility adds a range of colors to the tunes, from rhapsodic to knotty passages, single note flurries to suspended chords. Doxas’ drumming sets the perfect mood whether the tune is funky (“The New Old”), flowing (“Devonian”) or free (“3 Petals of a Flower”). Let’s not forget the strong, lyrical and harmonically- advanced bass playing of Menegon as a soloist or intuitively interacting with the ensemble. There is something very special about Sound Embrace — perhaps it’s the common ground the musicians share, Menegon’s memorable compositions, the refreshing sound of the ensemble — or is it simply a damn good session that deserves your attention!

BOTTOM LINE: One of the titles on Sound Embrace is a classic oxymoron — “The New Old.” As matter of fact, you can use a series of oxymorons to describe this session — The music is loosely tight with a subtle swing delivered by musicians who embrace the inside/outside with intricate simplicity.