Mark Wade is a respected New York-based bass player who is as at home in the classical music style as he is that of jazz music. I will state from the outset that I am an admirer of Mark’s work – I have had the pleasure of reviewing three of his previous album releases – and of the man himself, whom I have the pleasure of meeting on more than one occasion. The last time we met he talked of a project that would be influenced by classical music:
The upcoming … release of New Stages, on Dot Time Records, not only marks a new album, but a turning point in Mark Wade’s creative evolution. It’s a moment where his past innovations meet his future ambitions … New Stages captures that ongoing evolution with a bold step forward that reimagines the architecture of classical compositions through the lens of a modern jazz trio. Drawing from a wide range of works across the classical spectrum, it is an expansive exploration of sound, composition, and collaboration.
The Good Doctor Gradus gets things off to a lively start and is a great introduction to this tight-knit trio. Things calm down with the delightfully melodic The Elephant’s Lullaby with the trio again pulling together to make the sum of their parts a captivating whole – Mark Wade’s bass with Scott Neumann’s drumming the perfect accompaniment to Tim Harrison’s well phrased piano lines. Cakewalk struts its opening lines, melody set out on the piano, rhythm maintained by the drums, and the whole number grounded by the bass lines – an entertaining listen.
The Storm identifies its theme with dramatic piano lines backed by rippling cymbal playing from Neumann and spacious bass lines from Wade. Architecturally this is based in the classical music tradition tinted with jazz colouring from Tim Harrison at the piano. This is a terrific example of Mark Wade’s blending of musical styles. Iberia Part I introduces the listener to Spain and Mark Wade’s bass playing here is sublime taking on the part that, traditionally, would be played by a guitarist. Iberia Part II picks up the tempo and plays off the classical Spanish lines with beautifully blended jazz instrumentation.
Waltz And Variation has that familiar ¾ time signature that clearly identifies the Waltz element of this number but then the variation kicks in and what a fascinating variation it is: lively, energetic, and fun. Jesu closes out New Stages and is a creative variation on a Bach melody making it both fresh and familiar at the same time. For me, this is the tune that captures that classical/jazz combination so well and highlights just how good a composer Mark Wade is. The band is fluid throughout this number, as they are across this album, and it it really is a joy to hear such a high calibre outfit sounding like they are enjoying what they play.
New Stages was released at the end of March on the Dot Time Records label and can be found on Bandcamp.
Tracklist: 01 – The Good Doctor Gradus; 02 – The Elephant’s Lullaby; 03 – The Shepherd Takes A Turn; 04 – Cakewalk; 05 – Saga; 06 – The Storm; 07 Idyll; 08 – Iberia Part I; 09 – Iberia Part II; 10 – Judgement; 11 – Transition; 12 – At Rest; 13 – Waltz And Variation; 14 – Lament; 15 – Jesu.
Musicians: Tim Harrison (piano), Mark Wade (bass), Scott Neumann (drums).
SimplyJazzTalk 