The latest CD releases reviewed
PAT METHENY/BRAD MEHLDAU
Metheny Mehldau Nonesuch *****
On this evidence, the musical consanguinity of the guitarist and pianist is undeniable. It's also, paradoxically, something which enables each to remain emphatically individual, and a key to why their duo work is so unforgettable; they can enter each other's musical world and cast light on it from a different perspective. The repertoire of originals, seven Metheny's, three Mehldau's, not only reinforces this impression, but is also melodically characterful and harmonically nourishing. Their sheer joy in playing together sweeps everything along, yet there's no self-indulgence; the listening is rigorous and the mutual responsiveness compelling. And the chemistry works when, on two tracks, they're joined by Mehldau's trio colleagues Larry Grenadier (bass) and Jeff Ballard (drums) for two Metheny pieces. One of the CDs of the year. Ray Comiskey
CORTISOL
Miscellaneous Meet (no label) ***
This album marks a promising debut for a new young Irish band. The quintet's members - Matt Berrill (alto/clarinet), Colm O'Hara (trombone), Justin Carroll (piano), Andrew Csibi (bass) and Phil MacMullan (drums) - composed and arranged eight of 10 pieces in an ambitious programme espousing contemporary rhythmic flexibilities and ensemble approaches. O'Hara's multi-faceted No Contradiction, for example, encompasses rubato and free passages, written episodes, and solos over static harmony, while Carroll's gentle Dot is a deftly built piece, mostly ensemble, but incorporating joint trombone/clarinet improv and a fine drum solo over a bass ostinato. The band's solo strength is substantially up to the challenges set, but above all this is a band which, given the opportunity, is on the way to forging its own identity. Ray Comiskey
DELFEAYO MARSALIS
Minions Dominion Troubadour ***
A solidly organised quintet album from the trombonist of the Marsalis family, this is also the final bow of the late, great drummer, Elvin Jones, with Branford Marsalis (tenor/soprano) on four tracks, Donald Harrison (alto) on three more, and Mulgrew Miller on piano. The trombonist has a lovely tone, fluent technique and impeccable intonation but, as a soloist, despite making his best statements on the complex Minions Dominion and the programmatic soprano-trombone dialogue of Lost In The Crescent, he's overshadowed by the others, who generally build their improvisations more persuasively. However, his substantial originals, and the standards Weaver Of Dreams and Just Squeeze Me, give the music the adeptly managed stylistic breadth that's a Marsalis family trademark. Ray Comiskey
