Matt Slocum
Portraits
Chandra Records
www.chandrarecords.com
By George W. Harris

If you’re familiar with the LA scene, you’ve probably heard drummer
Matt Slocum playing behind countless leaders at the Bakery, Catalinas,
Spazios or Charlie O’s; he’s a reliable sideman, and his solo release
here shows his talent and diversity. In one sense, it has two distinct
feels and moves. The first is a post bop, edgy and slightly tangential
group with rotating saxophonists Walter Smith/ts, Jaleel Shaw/as and
Dayna Stephens; the second is a lyrical and eloquent trio with Gerald
Clayton/p and Massimo Biolcati/b. The trio comes out the winner, as
Clayton just shimmers like a starry night, and the conversant rapport
between Slocum and Biolcati glistens on “For Alin” and “Cambria.” Smith
goes trio with Slocum and Biolcati on Strayhorn’s “Daydream” while the
double saxes give a molasses thickness on “Seven Stars.” Good initial
outing that begs for a complete trio session.