Grachan Moncur, III Octet - Exploration
Artist: Grachan Moncur, III Octet
Title: Exploration
Label: Capri Records
Catalog Number: 5498740682-9
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
In December 2004's issue of all about jazz, trombonist Grachan Moncur, III was quoted as saying he was on the verge of putting down his trombone forever because of health problems and a dire sense of musical depression. At that time, he was recovering from seemingly endless dental operations that inhibited his playing. But, after months of introspection and re-introduction to his craft, Moncur is back, although we hesitate to say he ever really left.
Moncur's latest release Exploration should serve as a reminder his chops are just as fresh as they were decades ago. Clocking-in at just under sixty minutes, this gem touches on every musical emotion, i.e., from pensive to frenetic (and everything in between). Fortunately, the contrasting flavors do not distract from the disc’s overall mission, which has a particular focus on wind instruments. The title track is a combustible bop-flavored piece whereby the band indulges in a series of horn-focused call and response patterns. However, it is Ray Drummond (bass) and Andrew Cyrille (drums) who maintain the racing tempo throughout while the other musicians play around and over the beat.
Moncur's fans are well aware of his penchant for deep blues-based rhythms and multi-layered, contrasting harmonies, perhaps even begging for more from the established trombonist. The band pours its lyrical heart out on the deeply spiritual, blues-laced Love and Hate, the most gut-wrenching, impassioned track on the disc. But, this tune is not a display of instrumental depression. To the contrary, the dark structure and tone are excruciatingly pensive and indicative of Moncur's desire to extract band members’ deepest emotions (which they far exceed). In fact, listeners may want to begin with Love and Hate to savor the band’s delicious aural menu.
New Africa is a four-part suite and is a major highlight of the disc. During the first part of the suite, Queen Tamam, Drummond and Cyrille carry the melody and tempo, which have a nostalgic, melodiously soothing flavor. On the second part, New Africa, the horn section increases its intensity, particularly with a glaring trombone solo. The third part takes listeners on a hard swinging tour and is highlighted by a host of horn overlays. The circuitous melody of New Africa returns on the fourth part, Ethiopian Market. New Africa is truly a major highlight on this disc and represents group cohesion, which is sometimes challenging in horn-dominated bands.
When? is another prize on this disc. The toe-tapping, finger-snapping melody is largely the result of Ray Drummond’s walking bass, but the rest of the band has every opportunity to showcase its respective talents (and they do very well!). Cyrille's and Drummond's role of maintaining the tempo almost overshadows excellent solos by Tim Hagans (trumpet) and Moncur. Skillfully, Cyrille exhibits the presence and dexterity of the late master drummer Billy Higgins by sneaking-in commensurate bombs and a glaring solo along the way. To put it lightly, When? swings very hard.
Sonny’s Back swings hard thanks to Drummond and Cyrille, but especially to blistering solos by Gary Smulyan’s (baritone saxophone) and Hagans. This track is the perfect ending to a disc that employs an array of contrasting styles and harmonies.
Overall, Exploration is a horn-enthusiast's dream. Moncur surrounds himself with a slew of heavyweights such as Gary Bartz (alto saxophone), Billy Harper (tenor saxophone), Tim Hagans (trumpet) John Clark (french horn), Dave Woodley (trombone), and Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone). Equally important to this production are Drummond (bass) and Cyrille (drums) who do yeoman’s work to keep the band’s various tempos and melodies on track. Not only is Grachan Moncur, III back, he’s really back!
Track Listing: Exploration/ Monk In Wonderland/ Love and Hate/ New Africa/ When?/ Frankenstein/ Excursion/ Sonny’s Back.
Personnel: Grachan Moncur, III - trombone; Tim Hagans - trumpet; John Clark - french horn; Dave Woodley -trombone; Gary Bartz - alto saxophone; Billy Harper - tenor saxophone; Gary Smulyan - baritone saxophone; Ray Drummond - bass; Andrew Cyrille - drums.