Larsen Jazz artist: David Larsen - Cohesion - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cohesion, from David Larsen and it's a complex yet very enjoyable set. Opening with title track, Cohesion, David Larsen on bari sax and Darryl Yokley on tenor sax set up the intro over the tight rhythm of Wayne Smith Jr on drums and Alex Apollo on bass. With Zaccai Curtis on piano, anchors the melody while Apollo sets off on a really nice bass solo before taking the lead himself. Larsen and Yokley crafty rich solos of their own before rejoining in modal form for the refrain. Very solid opener. Movement again sees Yokley and Larsen playing in tandem, with suspended chords and each shows his chops as Smith and Curtis hold the line and Apollo drives the bottom on bass. Hard bop, Fedchock is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's straightforward drive and excellent soloing by Larsen, Yokley and Curtis. Kick back and enjoy. Wrapping the release is El Duelo, reminiscent of the great Shorter/Coltrane compositions. With intense lead by Yokley and Larsen, hot soloing by Apollo and Curtis and tight rhythmic control by Smith, this is an excellent closer. 

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David Larsen - The Peplowski Project - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Peplowski Project, from David Larsen and I really like it. Opening with Jerome Kern's All The Things You Are, David Larsen on Bari, Alto, Tenor and clarinet leads the way with rich tome and fluid lead lines. Joined by Ken Peplowski on clarinet this is getting steamy. Jake Svendsen on piano adds a lot of color and a terrific solo of his own, backed by Josh Skinner on bass and Brendan McMurphy on drums. Excellent opener. Bill Byers' Doodle Oodle is really smoking with super pace. Larsen and Peplowski start in duet but quickly break off into strong rich solos of their own. This is another really hot track. Walter Donaldson's Love Me Or Leave Me opens with Svendsen on piano leading quickly to featured work by Larsen on tenor and Peplowski on clarinet. With a solid shuffle rhythm Svendsen lays out a really tasty solo on piano. Larsen rips back with a healthy solo of his own on tenor before rejoining Peplowski for a summation. Another great track. Wrapping the release is Al Cohn's classic, Two Funky People. A boppy clarinet solo is up first followed by a cool bass solo by Skinner. A double timed stroll on piano by Svendsen adds just the right body before Larsen and Peplowski rejoin and close this release. This is a very tasty release. 

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G2 Records artist: David Larsen - G2 and You - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, G2 and You, from David Larsen and it's a straightforward instrumental jazz release. Opening with Angel Eyes, David Larsen on bari sax lays down a solid melodic lead line, backed by Danny McCollim on keys, Josh Skinner on bass, and Brendan McMurphy on drums. Larsen's tone is warm and his lead lines fluid and conservative. On Brubeck's,  In Your Own Sweet Way, Larsen shows a pure enjoyment of the artist's original arrangement. On original composition, Bright Days, Larsen pumps up the tempo and gets a solid jam going with aggressive rhythms by McMurphy on drums. With solid piano backing and a strong keys solo by Mc Collim, this is my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is another original composition by Larsen, Through and Through with a solid radio melody. Mc Collim stretches nicely on keys on the first solo stretch and Larsen returns with fine phrasing of his own. This is a pleasant release with precise playing and technique.

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DLP artist: David Larsen - Deviate from Standards - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 1, 2021), Deviate from Standards, from David Larsen and it's primarily built around a modified old school style without the blazing brass section. Opening with A New Thing Comin', David Larsen on tenor and bari sax leads the way, paired with Greg Yasinitsky on tenor and bari sax as well and backed by Kate Skinner on keys, Josh Skinner on bass and Brendan McMurphy on drums. With tasty soloing by David and Greg and a nice piano run by Ken, a solid opener. Smoke Screen is a driving jam with nice extended lead lines by Larsen and and Danny McCollim on keys as well as the  the addition of McMurphy on trumpet and Nick Isherwood on bass. With it's walking bass line by Skinner, He Who Getz The Last Laugh is a real cool track. Larsen sets a real nice statement with his fluid lines and rich tone and Skinner takes a few bars on bass solo really setting this off. Very nice. With a lot of swing, Into The Mild shows Larsen laying in some really meaty lead sax lines over the pouncing piano of Skinner. Stretching out over 7 minutes, Skinner and Larsen trade off the spotlight, punctuated by tidy drum riffs by McMurphy. Wrapping the release is Tensai with some of Larsen's most aggressive playing on the release. Solid closer for a cool release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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