Search - Franck Amsallem, Tim Ries, Bill Stewart :: Regards

Excerpt from CADENCE

Cat's Eye | Miami Florida USA | 08/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very satisfying session with two men who play from the Gospel According to John Coltrane and Blue Note. Franck Amsallem and Tim Ries don't blatently imitate any kind of Sixties sound but they do have a feel for the period. Ries is an intense saxophonist with a driving lyricism on soprano as hot as Dave Liebman's and a full expansive wail on tenor while Amsallem's piano combines McCoy Tyner's firm touch with Herbie Hancock's energy. All of the compositions are intelligently constructed originals. The action up front is well fueled by manic drummer Bill Stewart whose galloping style is a cross between Gene Krupa and Max Roach, bashing and crashing with suprising taste and sensitivity. There is a lot of heat and lyricism all the way around in this set.

~ Jerome Wilson CADENCE

The review of Jazz & Blues: Creative improvised Music

Vol 20 No.11 November 1994"

Deep and distinct

Montmartre | Brooklyn, NY | 08/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Howard Mandel DOWNBEAT

A deep and distinct pianist-and-reedist team (both compose), the quartet is rounded out by bassist Scott Colley and drummer Bill Stewart. Overall, they're graceful, tasteful, sleek and somber playing through well-tempered arrangements and freer, united modal explorations. The four channel their energy, love their ballads and plumb acoustic luxury."