PAPATAMUS REDUX

GIANT STEP ARTS RECORDS (Released July 25, 2025)

Even though he led a recording session in 2008, with the release of Double Bass Quartet-Live drummer Eric McPherson has truly made the transition from sought after sideman to consummate band leader. Having added his polyrhythmic sensibilities to a growing number of albums and live performances, McPherson shows a strong sense of maturity leading his quartet through often overlooked compositions by legendary jazz pianists as well as originals from band members. However, the release should be called double double bass quartet as it features both John Hébert and Ben Street on bass along with David Virelles on piano. Working with two bassists is not new for McPherson who used Hébert and Dezron Douglas on a tune for his 2008 release. It is also a tip of the hat to his former employer, pianist Andrew Hill, who featured bassists Richard Davis and Eddie Kahn on his 1966 Smokestack session. Much like the music of Hill, the music on Double Bass Quartet-Live challenges traditional jazz forms. Much of that has to do with the tunes, including Hill’s “Ode to Von” and “Ashes,” both demonstrating the band’s ability to breathe new life into Hill’s unique blend of lyrical and dark melodies delivered over complex rhythm structures. Virelles explodes on Stanley Cowell’s “Illusion Suite” with a solo full of cascading arpeggios, chord clusters and percussive punctuations delivered over the undulating basses of Hébert and Street. Virelles reminds us that Thelonius Monk’s “Skippy” was based on “Tea for Two” but the combination of pizzicato and bowed bass lines adds a unique twist to the tune. A steady bass ostinato from both bassists sets the foundation for Jaki Byard’s “Cinco y Quatro” on which Virelles and McPherson integrate an endless variety of Latin rhythms and motifs to keep things flowing. The steady pulse of the two bassists is also foundational to the quirky waltz like feel of Hébert’s “Blind Pig.” The dreamy nature of Virelles’ “Transmission” provides a nice contrast to this session as does the quartet’s intriguing take on Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Darn that Dream” with Street and Hébert alluding to the familiar melody.  Even though he is the leader, McPherson is the unsung hero on this session. Other than the five-minute track appropriately called” Solo Drum” his playing is reserved, supportive and adds the perfect rhythmic tension to Double Bass Quartet-Live. McPherson’s mentor, Jackie McLean, once referred to him as his favorite drummer. I am certain if McLean were alive today and heard Double Bass Quartet-Live he would add favorite bandleader to that accolade!

BOTTOM LINE:  Halfway through the year and I already have one of my top favorites for 2025 — Eric McPherson’s Double Bass Quartet-Live . The resonant and undulating sounds from the double basses of John Hébert and Ben Street, the clarity and complexity of pianist David Virelles, the sensitivity and maturity of McPherson and the often overlooked tunes from Andrew Hill, Stanley Cowell and Jaki Byard make this release a winner.