Featured Artist: Tom Beckham
CD: Rebound
Record Label: Apria Records
Style: Straight Ahead
Year: 2008
Vibe master Tom Beckham may not be at the top of the “Who’s Who in Jazz” category, but he is definitely an artist that should be taken seriously. First and foremost, Beckham plays one of the most eclectic and sophisticated instruments in jazz; on top of that, he is quite good at what he does. His latest CD entitled ‘Rebound’ on the Apria Record Label exposes an energy that not only supercedes the mundane, the recording is uniquely qualified to be expressively coherent, while functioning as a downright good sounding album.
As a straight ahead jazz CD, Tom Beckham’s approachable style goes the distance in allowing him to push the envelope of creativity on eight original compositions. Each track has a seemingly perfect fit filled with improvised imagery and spontaneous rhythms. Beckham and his band of merry men consisting of saxophonist Chris Cheek, pianist Henry Hey, bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Ferenc Nemeth perform brilliantly individually and collectively throughout the album’s associated tracks. One tune in particular entitled “Parting The Water” displays a much-appreciated interplay between Henry Hey’s piano and Tom’s vibraphone coupled with a laminar flow of Cheek’s sax augmentations. Although Tom Beckham’s vibes serve as the hallmark for the entire track, the roles of each member of the quintet are equally divided. This observation holds true for ‘Rebound’ in totality. Other tracks including “Carnival” and “Tiny Star” also have a certain standout appeal that allows each musician to exercise his creativity and craft as an artist.
When listening to ‘Rebound,’ there is an attachment of sensitivity and close attention to detail. Beckham’s strategic improvised rhythms serve as a reminder of the CD’s straight ahead influences. Echoes of vibe master Lionel Hampton are deeply rooted in the album’s presentation, but without the encumbrances of a big band influence. The five-man kit that is attached to ‘Rebound’ is extremely complementary, as well as the varying influences associated with Tom Beckham’s musical message. In every sense of what straight ahead jazz should be about, this release speaks volumes about the enduring qualities tied to America’s only original art form.
‘Rebound’ is the third CD for Tom Beckham as a leader. The recording is filled with homogenous melodies tied to a wave of improvised rhythms that run the gamut of influences. The harmonies are soft and mellow with a high-level of freshness attached, especially so on such tracks as “Grillin’” and “Tethered.” Overall, Tom Beckham’s latest release is a recording that fits into the groove of a finely tuned jazz activated audio phonic musical experience.
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