The Britton Brothers Band debut CD, Uncertain Living (Record Craft), makes a good first impression for brothers, Ben and John Britton. Although still working on their formal music education (Eastman School of Music and Manhattan School of Music) at the time of the recording, the Brittons had played together and with other established talents for many years providing them with the practical experience necessary to give Uncertain Living the seasoned polish of a more mature recording. They also wisely enlisted the talents (and name) of an acknowledged top-notch soloist, band leader and composer, saxophonist Chris Potter, on two of the eight tracks. The quintet includes, along with Ben on tenor sax and John on trumpet, Austin Walker on drums, Jeremy Siskind on piano and Taylor Waugh on bass. The music is composed by the Brittons with the two exceptions of “Come Thou Fount,” a traditional hymn by Asahel Nettleton and “June Humidity” by Siskind. The style is mainly traditional jazz with elements of swing and be-bop given new life by creative compositions, intelligent soloing and precise ensemble playing. All members of the quintet have connections through the Eastman School and the familiarity and common experience shows.
The first track, “Extra Fuzz,” is a John Britton composition and from his own description is the gradual development of a small kernel of a musical idea. The kernel consists of a funky double pulse beat followed by a six note melodic theme. The motif works its way through the entire piece including the solos by piano, tenor and trumpet as well as a substantial drum solo by Walker. “Anticipation” is another John Britton piece beginning with some nice pizzicato acoustic bass work by Waugh, but really serves as one of two opportunities to hear guest artist Chris Potter on tenor sax. “Anticipation” is another theme and development style composition but also has an overall sectional design. The third track, “June Humidity,” was written by pianist Jeremy Siskind and as such is a departure from the style of the first two tracks. It depicts the heat of summer with lazy trumpet lines and deep rich harmonies that are reminiscent of the atmospheric sounds of Gershwin’s “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. Siskind plays in a hesitating stride piano style with influences of Thelonius Monk and is joined by trumpet and sax in freewheeling improvisation as the piece reaches its climax.
“Molo,” by Ben Britton, features a be-bop melody and settles into a swing groove for a long solo by Waugh followed by piano and sax solos. The title track, “Uncertain Living,” is another pictorial composition meant to portray life’s unpredictable twists and turns expressed through wistful melodies and quiet contemplative sections interspersed with rushes of energy and excitement providing a rich opportunity for improvisation. “Come Thou Fount” is a hymn expressing the brothers’ “…commitment to God” (from the liner notes) and it also allows for a round of heartfelt and bluesy yet respectful solos. The interestingly quirky “Mr. John McNeil” is dedicated to the great trumpeter, John McNeil. The CD closes with the ebullient “Ducks In A Row” again featuring Chris Potter in intricate bop duets with Ben Britton.
For the Britton Brothers Uncertain Living makes a well above average debut. The instrumental mastery and expressiveness is the main attraction. The compositions are solid and more than adequately meet the needs of the group though the thematic material tends to be truncated and lack long fluid mellifluous melodic material that is appropriate for a traditional jazz style. There is every reason to expect a fine second CD from this solid quintet.
Hot Tracks: June Humidity, Uncertain Living, Ducks In A Row
May 26, 2010
