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One of the reasons why post bop has endured and grown over time as a musical genre is that it’s a very open and malleable musical form that is able to stretch its shape and morph into any new influence that crosses its path. Be it Latin, fusion, free jazz, drumnbass or any other style, post bop is able to absorb all of this and maintain its current relevance, which leads us to “Short Notice”, a very eclectic and modern post bop CD by saxophonist Manny Echazabal. On this new album, Manny takes on a myriad diversity of influences and throws them in the post bop blender to create something that is intellectually challenging, as well as energetic and enjoyable to listen to. Manny cites Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter and Kenny Dorham as influences on his playing, and names Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland and the aforementioned Henderson and Shorter as influences on his compositional style. All of these influences show, but you could also add the compositions of Kenny Garret as similar too, in the way that he combines many diverse influences underneath the post bop umbrella.
None of the members of Echazabal’s backup band are particularly big names yet, which should change as this crew could hold their own against anybody. A good reference for how these guys interact could be Herbie’s explosive VSOP band that featured Shorter and Tony Williams. Much like that band, Echazabal’s group keeps a flowing high energy conversation going as they all interact with the soloists in rhythmic interjections. Drummer David Chiverton knows how to push a soloist, but also stays more in the pocket than the previously mentioned Williams. Pianist Tal Cohen is outstanding as he builds his free wheeling solos in tandem with Chiverton’s propulsions. There is a definite Hancock influence in Tal’s playing, but Tal also shows a little more mischievous humor when he does things like repeating two notes back and forth in building phrases.
All of the tracks on here are great, but some standouts include the high energy straight ahead swing of “Short Notice”, the stuttering broken rhythms of “The Green Monk” and the avant-garde excursions that make up “Abraham’s Warriors”. There is a lot to hear here, after many listens, I’m still finding things I missed before, there is much to be absorbed. “Short Notice” is excellent modern jazz for those who are into such things.