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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Jay Garrett
Rebound\r\n(Fwingo Records)
By Michael Pellecchia
Jay Garrett, a Tennessee native with a UNT jazz education, does more than just highlight his vibraphone skills on Rebound, his debut. He staffs his record with tonalists and personalities who are more than capable of lending themselves completely to the overall texture of the disc. As the album begins, the only discernible sound is that of Garrett’s vibes. But soon, the rich cast of characters, one by one, steps up to the plate: Andrew Griffith on drums, one of Dallas’ top musicians; Paul Metzger, also a quarter of Bertha Coolidge; Jonathan Fisher on bass; and Jeff Fort and Akira Sato on tenor sax and trumpet respectively. Organist Bobby Sparks contributes a star turn on “Waltz Over Heaven,” and the guests keep coming on several other tracks.
Garrett composed all but one tune, Sonny Rollins’ “Valse Hot,” which is the least successful track on Rebound. The vibist’s compositions are perfect, as is the sequencing of the music. The title cut appears at the c.d.’s beginning as a meditative melody and at the end as a live cut recorded the same day, at a Dallas concert last April. In between is straight-ahead jazz and blues, as well as fusion, with a healthy dose of modal and metrical earplay all around. Rebound is radio-ready, round, and fully packed and should be a cinch to help Garrett pick up a label deal. As a compelling performer, a melodic composer, and an impeccable self-producer (probably the most difficult job on an instrumental album full of expensive talent), Jay Garrett has come into his own with this fine inaugural piece of work.
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