ELEW Returns in a Trio with Watts and Veal

When he was not playing solo Rockjazz concerts for die-hard fan Will Smith, or being called by the Art World’s own Simone de Pury, ELEW went back to his roots to record a swinging classic trio record for the ages.

After years of distancing himself from the jazz world, ELEW has decided to make a return in a remarkable triumvirate featuring bassist Reginald Veal and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. His new recording, And To The Republic, features the forceful pianist’s fantastic prowess expressed in the genre that he first caught the attention of the listening public with, mainstream swinging jazz. The recording is a sincere olive branch to jazz purists. His intention in releasing this new recording is to play with masters of the craft and to pay homage to his heroes, especially his former employer, drum legend Elvin Jones.

Who better to fill the role on drums than the great Jeff “Tain” Watts? He is a true disciple of Elvin Jones and has the power, drive and knowledge within the full scope of jazz, having been part of the Young Lion generation led by Wynton and Branford Marsalis. The fantastic Veal has just as distinguished a résumé, being another Marsalis alumni and Elvin Jones protégé.

The recording begins with the laidback yet playful “Medicine Man,” followed by the energetic and spontaneous “Ornette,” a tribute to the legendary Ornette Coleman, who had passed on the day of recording. “Lil Luba,” is a gutbucket blues, featuring percussionist Ricky “Dirty Red” Gordon. The surging “Tones for Elvin Jones,” written while on tour with the song’s namesake, is an evocative tribute to the master drummer and a showcase for Watts.

The incredible reinterpretation of Swedish electronic duo The Knife’s “Heartbeats” is a tremendous example of ELEW’s mastery of the keyboard and modern influence. The propulsive “Quirkwork” utilizes the rhythm changes to Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” and highlights the trio’s dynamically charged relationship. Named for a short chance encounter, “Jamaica Girl” is a beautiful ballad with a hint of dance hall beat. The startling “And To The Republic” finds the great actor Harry Lennix reciting Mark Antony’s speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar over a tense improvised background. A radical take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “My Favorite Things” was played to emulate the Coltrane “sheets of sound” playing style. The recording closes with ELEW revisiting his “Philly Groove,” a laid back yet declamatory piece full of swagger.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/to-republic-jeff-tain-watts/id1132737915

ELEW’s trio is equal parts bombast and control, frenzy and smooth, proving that though he might have left for other musical spheres, ELEW’s still a heavy hitter in his first language, where he has found his own way.

NPR Jazz in America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLfq17MLPwc

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B09Ipa6jyysRQ1RWSEotZVFCdkJoVzA3c2lVMVdDUUFEMW9z

Edited by wunderlichkaplan - 27 Sep 2016 at 12:05pm

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js Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Forum Admin Group Site admin Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Location: Memphis Status: Offline Points: 35155	Post Options Post Reply Quote js Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: ELEW Returns in a Trio with Watts and Veal Posted: 27 Sep 2016 at 6:58pm
	I fixed your headline and moved this to Jazz News where it will get more exposure.

wunderlichkaplan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote wunderlichkaplan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 Sep 2016 at 12:02pm
	When he was not playing solo Rockjazz concerts for die-hard fan Will Smith, or being called by the Art World’s own Simone de Pury, ELEW went back to his roots to record a swinging classic trio record for the ages. After years of distancing himself from the jazz world, ELEW has decided to make a return in a remarkable triumvirate featuring bassist Reginald Veal and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. His new recording, *And To The Republic, features the forceful pianist’s fantastic prowess expressed in the genre that he first caught the attention of the listening public with, mainstream swinging jazz. The recording is a sincere olive branch to jazz purists. His intention in releasing this new recording is to play with masters of the craft and to pay homage to his heroes, especially his former employer, drum legend Elvin Jones. Who better to fill the role on drums than the great Jeff “Tain” Watts? He is a true disciple of Elvin Jones and has the power, drive and knowledge within the full scope of jazz, having been part of the Young Lion generation led by Wynton and Branford Marsalis. The fantastic Veal has just as distinguished a résumé, being another Marsalis alumni and Elvin Jones protégé. The recording begins with the laidback yet playful “Medicine Man,” followed by the energetic and spontaneous “Ornette,” a tribute to the legendary Ornette Coleman, who had passed on the day of recording. “Lil Luba,” is a gutbucket blues, featuring percussionist Ricky “Dirty Red” Gordon. The surging “Tones for Elvin Jones,” written while on tour with the song’s namesake, is an evocative tribute to the master drummer and a showcase for Watts. The incredible reinterpretation of Swedish electronic duo The Knife’s “Heartbeats” is a tremendous example of ELEW’s mastery of the keyboard and modern influence. The propulsive “Quirkwork” utilizes the rhythm changes to Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” and highlights the trio’s dynamically charged relationship. Named for a short chance encounter, “Jamaica Girl” is a beautiful ballad with a hint of dance hall beat. The startling “And To The Republic” finds the great actor Harry Lennix reciting Mark Antony’s speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar* over a tense improvised background. A radical take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “My Favorite Things” was played to emulate the Coltrane “sheets of sound” playing style. The recording closes with ELEW revisiting his “Philly Groove,” a laid back yet declamatory piece full of swagger. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/to-republic-jeff-tain-watts/id1132737915 ELEW’s trio is equal parts bombast and control, frenzy and smooth, proving that though he might have left for other musical spheres, ELEW’s still a heavy hitter in his first language, where he has found his own way. NPR Jazz in America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLfq17MLPwc https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B09Ipa6jyysRQ1RWSEotZVFCdkJoVzA3c2lVMVdDUUFEMW9z Edited by wunderlichkaplan - 27 Sep 2016 at 12:05pm