| Schulldogs:
Tenor Tantrums New World Records 80522
By turns thoughtful and hell-raising, ever-cognizant of form while leaving the door ajar for the muse, Tenor Tantrums is a refreshing example of the enormous possibilities of contemporary jazz. It's the first recording by George Schuller and The Schulldogs, who've been active for around three years in various guises anchored by the Schuller brothers. This doubtless accounts for their seemingly telepathic interaction and their fluid incorporation of improv within larger compositional frameworks. The covers of Ornette's "Free" and Bill Evans's "Loose Bloose" function both as homages and as signposts to Schuller's compositional aesthetic. The frontline sax pairing of respected veteran George Garzone and Tony Malaby, one of the brightest young talents to hit the downtown New York scene in the last few years, is inspired. Both combine deep knowledge of the tradition and a fearless yen for exploring new and fertile harmonic territory. They're equally at home 'inside' or 'outside' and their spirited interplay and 'problem-solving' are worth the price of admission. The visceral thrill of two tenors in full cry is still a joy to behold, especially when so sympathetically matched. (Check out the title track.) Trumpeter David Ballou's thoughtful yet crackling contributions on "Free" and "The Symptoms" are completely in sync with the free-wheeling spirit of the proceedings and deserve special mention. Schuller's crisp drumming and brother Ed's robust bass subtly propel the proceedings or pithily comment without lapsing into predictability. -- Mike Silverton (from the liner notes to Tenor Tantrums) |
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