Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles previous album was titled It’s All About the Melody and clearly they still believe that. Yesterday’s Man boasts ten original songs (five by each partner) chock full of warm, satisfying melodious craft. The duo bandleaders revere traditional melody, the musical choice of a bygone type of man who, according to their press release, “dressed well, was articulate…had sophisticated tastes, integrity, a much longer attention span, and most of all…listened to good melodic music.” Ok, so maybe they have a slight case of nostalgia. Melody and substance are timeless and they show it.
Their style is essentially traditional jazz. It’s melodic, sentimental, hard-swinging music, with mainstream appeal and standard forms. Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson keeps a tight, hard-bop groove on the drums and Lori Williams-Chisholm adds engaging vocals and vocalese. Williams-Chisholm has the sought-after combination of soul and technical prowess that reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald. All eight musicians get a chance as soloists and they do well all around, despite a few lackluster moments.
The band still produces a contemporary sound, though. The unique addition of steel pan drum played by Victor Provost has a surprising effect. It’s no gimmick: the steel pan sound is refreshing and bright, and Provost is a top-notch soloist, almost outdoing the rest of the band. Both composers make some modern choices that spice up the traditional vibe. The 5/4 tune “Theme in Search of a Film” and the eastern-tinged “Shesh” aren’t groundbreaking, but sound pleasantly fresh.
These guys have broad appeal, and while they aren’t virtuosos, they’re no slouches either. This is a fine offering for jazz – enthusiasts and casual listeners.
Nathaniel Rolnick – MuzikReviews.com Staff
November 10, 2009
