RON RIEDER

COMPOSITIONS IN BLUE AND OTHER HUES

Meson Records

Ron Rieder, composer; John Lockwood, bass; Maxim Lubarsky, piano; Mark Walker, drums; Yaure Muniz, trumpet; Mike Tucker, tenor saxophone.

Ron Rieder, based in Andover, Massachusetts has released two colorful albums before this one.  He debuted his composer talents on an album called “Latin Jazz Sessions.”

His second album release was also steeped in Afro-Cuban and Brazilian arrangements. It was called “Dia Precioso!”

This current release explores songs that celebrate Straight-ahead jazz, ‘swing’ and the traditional bebop era. To play his original music, Ron Rieder has once again contracted a wonderful quintet. They open the album with the bebop tune, “Dizzy Spell” that swings at a medium tempo, featuring a joyful melody sung by Mike Tucker on tenor saxophone and Yaure Muntz on trumpet. In their stereophonic mix, they have placed the tenor sax on one side of the speakers, with the rhythm section swinging through the other speaker. It makes me feel like I’m right in the jazz club enjoying their concert ‘live.’   It’s a great way to begin this album.

Track #2, “I Sing for You” is a beautiful ballad that features a tender solo by Tucker, whose tenor saxophone sings like a bird.  The tender accompaniment by Maxim Lubarsky on piano gives lovely support.  Then we are back to the quintet swinging on “Broadway Boogie.”  The trumpet of Yaure Muniz takes the lead, followed by Tucker improvising wildly. Mark Walker provides solid drum rhythm and tempo throughout. When they trade fours, Walker shows off his trap drum mastery. Lubarsky is brightly spotlighted on piano, and John Lockwood walks his bass with strength and determination in the rhythm section. Two songs are produced as romantic waltzes.

Every composition on this album is well constructed, beautifully arranged and these musicians make Ron Rieder’s work sparkle and shine.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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