ADAM ROSE + MOUNTAIN JAZZ QUARTET

HOLLER SERENADE

Independent Label

Adam Rose, guitar/composer; Steve LaSpina, bass; Taylor Pierson, piano/keyboards; Jeff Sipe, drums.

The first original song of guitarist Adam Rose’s album dances into my listening room with joy and happiness brightening my space.  It’s called “Sailing on the Potomac.” This is contemporary jazz at its best.

Next, the Asheville, North Carolina musician slow shuffles us into “Bye Bye Blackbird.” He begins rubato, just Adam and his trusty guitar, examining the familiar melody of this old and favorite jazz standard. When his rhythm section enters the picture, drummer Jeff Sipe slaps a shuffle groove into place. Taylor Pierson accompanies on piano with taste and sensitivity. But when it’s time to solo, Pierson does not disappoint.  Steve LaSpina walks his double bass with determined time and creativity.

This is a quartet built on grooves, spontaneity, and they exhibit a comfort level, like old friends who know each other very well.

“We hadn’t worked out the intros and endings before the session. Hopefully the recording captures that freshness,” Rose states in his press package.

Rose has composed six of the eight songs on this album.  I find each original tune to be melodic with arrangements that are creative and diversified. “Heywood Commons” has a funk groove and is arranged leaning towards electronic jazz, wah-wah pedal and all.

Originally from Philadelphia, Rose developed his approach through jazz studies at the Philadelphia Clef Club. Later, he polished his talent at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. This album is a delightful mix of contemporary and traditional jazz.  They close with “The Turnaround,” a composition by famed tenor saxophonist, Hank Mobley. The quartet swings hard!  It’s a great way to remind Adam Rose’s listening audience that he brings the best of both worlds to this project, blending funk, groove and Straight-ahead jazz in a smooth, cohesive way.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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