Ze’ Eduardo/Jack Walrath Quartet
Artist: Ze’ Eduardo/Jack Walrath Quartet
Title: Bad Guys
Label: Cleanfeed Records
Catalog Number: CF047CD
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
The Ze’ Eduardo/Jack Walrath Quartet’s latest release Bad Guys can be described in one word: fun. Ingredients of this morsel include a dose of whimsical tones, a dash of energy, a pinch of history, and one teaspoon of culture. Considering three members of the quartet hail from Iberia, Bad Guys manages to incorporate incisive rhythms and melodies akin to that region. Toss in some American roots of Walrath, and the result is a tasty compilation of boundary-bursting selections.
Bazaar finds bassist Ze’ Eduardo lying down syrupy lines while Jesus Santandreu (tenor saxophone) and Walrath (trumpet) turn-up the temperature around the melody. Marc Miralta’s drum drops are the perfect ingredients needed for this dish. Walrath and Santandreu spar relentlessly throughout, creating tension along the way. Indeed, this is one of the tastiest aural delights on Bad Guys’ menu.
Birds Fly Free demonstrates how this group of musical chefs can burn-up a track… but, in a good way. Birds moves at breakneck speed, combining elements of classic New Orleans jazz with blistering bebop. This track is indicative of how jazz has never been limited by geographical boundaries and that it, in fact, builds cultural bridges.
Bad Guys could easily be described instead as a Good Buy. The myriad textures, multifaceted harmonies make for an interesting, palatable dish. So, if you are worried about putting on extra pounds during the holiday season, have a taste of Bad Guys and you won’t have to worry about breaking your South Beach diet (or whatever the trend is today).
Track Listing: Simian Spring Song/ Birds’ Fly Free/ Novissims/ Sue’s Changes/ Bazaar/ Realejo/ Prou/ Sun Sol.
Personnel: Jack Walrath – trumpet; Ze’ Eduardo – double bass; Jesus Santandreu – tenor saxophone; Marc Miralta – drums.