Album Review: Joe Farnsworth's The Big Room - Finding Equilibrium Between Structure and Creativity
Joe Farnsworth, a prominent figure in New York's modern jazz scene for over three decades, has released his latest album, The Big Room. This sextet album, featuring trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonist Sarah Hanrahan, vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Emmett Cohen, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and Farnsworth himself on drums, represents an intergenerational group that blends Farnsworth's veteran experience with younger players known for their contemporary and improvisational styles.
The title track of the album, a through-improvised duet between Farnsworth and Ross, is steeped in intimacy and seems to stretch time. It's a testament to the chemistry between the musicians, creating a sense of adventure that pervades the entire album. The up-tempo "You Already Know" occasionally tugs at the pulse, adding to this sense of adventure.
Trumpeter Pelt puts his gold-laced stamp on an achingly slow cover of "I Fall in Love Too Easily", showcasing his discerning taste and emotional depth. Fiery solos imbue Farnsworth's boogaloo "Prime Time" with life, while Jeremy Pelt's discordant blues "All Said and Done" is another track on the album, known for its sharp-pointed solos.
Sarah Hanahan, an up-and-coming alto saxophonist, wrote the opening track "Continuance" for the album. Her composition, along with Hanrahan's and Ross's other contributions, highlights a mix of tradition and fresh creativity in jazz. Ross, a newly established vibraphonist, also penned the austere ballad "What am I Waiting For?".
Farnsworth perceives "the Big Room" as a state where boundaries are pushed and playing reaches a new level. This sentiment is reflected in the strong moods and vibrant solos that are a reminder of what's good about the tried and tested in "the Big Room".
The Big Room is released by Smoke Sessions Records, and it's a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and innovation.
The title track on Joe Farnsworth's new album The Big Room, a through-improvised duet between Farnsworth and Joel Ross, offers a taste of the music's entertainment value with its intimate and time-stretching quality. The up-tempo "You Already Know" features an occasional pulse tug, adding to the album's sense of musical adventure.
