Search - Paul Renz :: Dish It Up

Playing well-honored compositions does not necessarily mean there cannot be a novel spin to an album. On "Dish It Up," guitarist Renz proves that with a vibrant spin around such well known pieces as Charlie Parker?s "Donna Lee" and the movie composition "Secret Love." He also plays four original compositions, one of which splices in Coltrane?s "Impressions" while displaying a fast, technically sophisticated and artistically satisfying style. Keeping pace with Renz is bassist Iden and drummer Schutte, who have to scurry to match his vigor. Tenor saxophonist Reynolds makes it a quartet on three selections. He interacts in unison with Renz on the theme statements and becomes an additional foil to set Renz off and running on his typically long improvised excursions. Reynolds? improvising touches on the funky side, ranging far afield but having an earthy, barnyard sound. The class of the album is the 24-minute "Latin in Deed/Impressions." It has changing tempo and plenty of opportunities for Renz and Reynolds to open wide. Renz gets into some exciting improvising while the rhythm section keeps a steady and provocative beat. Although Renz does some quoting, ("Norwegian Wood" and "Billy Boy" are obvious), his runs are mostly energetic exercises of freely flying guitar spikes. Reynolds is in a mellower mood on this track and turns in soulful and rolling improvisations on the bouncing theme. Iden and Schutte also enjoy their moment in the sun on this piece that ends with a rousing version of the Coltrane classic. Renz is a challenging guitarist who keeps the pot boiling throughout this set. It is a fine example of open-ended guitar trio music with a tenor punch.