TRP (The Reese Project)
Evening In Vermont
Rhombus Records
www.ReeseProject.com

The Dave Shank Quintet
Soundproof
Rhombus Records
www.rhombus-records.com
By George W. Harris

These two recent releases by Rhombus Records show that lots of new ideas are still available in the realm of mainstream post bop jazz.

Tom Reese leads The Reese Project, along with the intriguing combination of his own flute and penny whistle, Laurie Haines Reese/cello, Kirk Reese/p, Dave Young/dr and the guest addition of Tish Brown /violin-viola. The mix of flute, cello and violin to the traditional jazz rhythm section make tunes like Wayne Sorter’s “Footprints” and Roland Kirk’s “Serenade To A Cuckoo” bounce with a lively spring. Reese’s originals like “Blues for Ruthie” and the title track have an attractive folk-earthiness that is sublime, while the moody “Shanan-D’oh!-a” closes the session with an alluring home spun charm. Wonderful sounds here.

Vibist Dave Shank leads a tight and adroit quintet with Barry Miles/p, Terry Silverlight/dr, John Patitucci/b and Mike Migliore/sax through a collection of cleverly written and arranged originals. Songs like “Soundproof” and ”Last Resort” have a nice airiness to them, yet the tensile rhythm team keep things snapping along at a respectable clip. Migliore’s soprano on the gentle “Darkening” shimmers, while his alto is pungent on the bluesy “Some Nice.” A great release for straightahead fans.