Search - Bob Kase :: Weaver of Dreams

Well worth it for fans of all styles of jazz.

04/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was recently in a festival band directed by Dr. Kase, and he plugged this CD during our rehearsals, so I decided to buy it. He had played a ride with our group on one piece, and I knew he had chops; he could do the big band "squeal" style with the best of them. My impression at that time was that that was his style, and that he didn't do anything else. But then I listened to this CD, and I found out that he's awesome at everything else too! I've always been a fan of combo jazz, which this album provides a lot of. There are so many different grooves on this CD, and so many different styles of playing that I know anyone would enjoy it. I especially liked "Miles and Miles," a very smooth waltz in tribute to Miles Davis. Dr. Kase's use of chord progression throughout the CD is unique, but this song especially hit me as being something of its own nature. Other songs that I especially liked were "Wales," a Latin-flavored piece, and "Song," a ballad played simply as a fluegelhorn and bass duet. The title track, which is the only tune on the CD that he didn't write, is also done extremely well. It's more standard in form than some of the other tunes, but that's because it is a standard :). Overall, this is a great CD, and it's got a lot of different styles on it. There's something to appeal to everyone on this CD."

An excellent addition to anyone's jazz collection.

12/12/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although a new name to most people reading this review, Bob Kase has been a well respected trumpet teacher and jazz educator for many years. With this, his debut recording for the "Altenburgh Jazz" label, Mr. Kase has crafted a CD that demonstrates his musical sensitivity, formidable technique, respect for past masters of jazz trumpet playing, and his knowledge of where jazz comes from and where it's headed.With the exception of the title track, all tunes are original compositions by Mr Kase. In some cases he has followed the bebop tradition of crafting new ideas from well known harmonic structures and forms. For example, the classic "Salt Peanuts" becomes "new peanuts", with an energetic improvised musical dialogue between Mr. Kase and saxophonist John Greiner. Whatever the musical style or form presented, however, this music always SWINGS, thanks to the outstanding ensemble playing of all the members of this quintet.In addition to the trumpet playing, special mention should be made of the performances by saxophonist John Grenier and drummer Ryan Korb. Like Mr. Kase, Grenier has been able to incorporate the influences of the masters of his instrument (most notably Joe Henderson) into a style that is uniquely his. Ryan Korb manages to maintain a high energy level that keeps the ensemble churning and moving forward without inhibiting the melodic or harmonic flow of the music."A Weaver of Dreams" is an outstanding addition to any jazz CD collection and a must for fans of jazz trumpet playing.Jim Gauthier"