Music

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Seashells add to trombonist's chops

By: Chris Smith

9/03/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

TROMBONIST Steve Turre can make his instruments moan and wail with a blues intensity not often heard in jazz these days.

Instruments, as in his main axe, the slide trombone, and his pet axes, a variety of different-sized seashells.

Believe me, you haven't heard the blues until you've heard them played by a tight band fronted by a man playing shells so intently and skilfully.

Turre played the shells on a blues called Ray's Collard Greens, named after former boss Ray Charles, Saturday night in the first of his three weekend concerts in the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances series.

The quintet -- with Jimmy Greene on tenor saxophone, Xavier Davis on piano, Dion Parson on drums and Steve Kirby on bass -- was tight through a mix of blues, standards and originals, mainly by Turre.

Turre's version of the bop standby Cherokee, which he calls Blackfoot, was a feature for drummer Parson, but also was reminiscent of the old cutting contests where younger players were tested on stage by veterans.

If Saturday night had been a cutting contest, Turre would have cut Greene, but not by much. The saxophonist was hot and made a formidable front line with Turre.

Pianist Davis was a delight as soloist and accompanist, especially comping on the blues numbers. Parson can be a powerhouse -- his Blackfoot solo was great -- as well as a sensitive accompanist.

Winnipeg's Kirby played extremely well, backing his old boss and mentor Turre with verve, and taking a couple of great solos and contributing his composition Cleopatra's Needle, named after a famous New York City jazz club known for its jam sessions.

The trombone is an evocative instrument in the right hands, and Turre's performance of the standard The Nearness of You was a gem in a concert that highlighted just how varied, visceral and full of vitality small-group jazz can be.

chris.smith@freepress.mb.ca

Steve Turre Quintet

Izzy Asper Jazz Performances

Berney Theatre, March 7

Attendance: 200

4 stars out of 5

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 9, 2009 C9

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

0 Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Special Coverage

Faith Enduring

A look at Manitoba’s Ukrainian community through their churches
The Forgotten Disease

The fight to eradicate tuberculosis is far from over.
Flu Fight

News about the world's battle against the H1N1 flu pandemic
Follow the Way!

Join United Way on its journey toward lasting change and better lives.

More Special Coverage

Alerts

Winnipeg road closures

Check if your commute is affected
Editor's Bulletin

Sign up for daily bulletins
Blogs to Watch

We pick our favourite local blogs for you to follow
Breaking News Widget

Create and embed a Winnipeg Free Press breaking news widget on your site or blog