CHRIS WHITEMAN & JOHN TOOMEY QUARTET

LIVE AT RÉVELÉR

Independent Label

Chris Whiteman, guitar/composer; John Toomey, piano; Randall Pharr, bass; Aaron Binder, drums.

A tune titled, “The Reveler” is an original song written by Chris Whiteman that opens this album introducing him as both a guitarist and composer. “Reveler” is a person who’s thoroughly enjoying themselves. The song swings its way into my listening room with Aaron Binder brushing his drums and Randall Pharr walking his double bass in step with Binder. John Toomey warms up the piano keys, skipping right along with the beat and improvising freely.  This is a great way to set the tone for this latest release called “Live at Révelér.”

Chris Whiteman and his smooth guitar have entertained on a number of stages like the Monterey jazz Festival, the Blue Note and Birdland. He’s accompanied and toured with vocalist Veronica Swift and musicians including Rick Braun, Royce Campbell and Stephanie Nakasian.

Whiteman and John Toomey co-lead this lively quartet.  Toomy is an educator, composer, pianist and popular musical director who Directs the Attucks Jazz Series for the Virginia Arts Festival and has performed with such popular artists as Randy Brecker, John Fedchock, Terrell Stafford and John Abercrombie.  He also toured with jazz vocalist, Rene Marie and made worldwide appearances at the JVC Jazz Fest in France and the Monterey Jazz Festival.  When you pair these two amazing musicians sparks fly!

“Blue Monk” is always a crowd pleaser. Whiteman and Toomey take turns soloing and bringing out the best of this Thelonious Monk composition. They slow-swing the tune forward and my toes just start tapping with a mind of their own.

You will enjoy every standard this quartet plays.  They infuse each one with emotional sincerity and polished talent. Their rendition of Jobim’s popular tune, “Triste” is beautifully arranged and presented.  This is followed by Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” composition that moves the quartet from old school jazz favorites to a more modern jazz scene. I love the piano of John Toomey, tinkling in the higher register to grab my attention at the introduction, sounding like a vibraphone. Their arrangement changes the face of this tune in delightful ways. This quickly became my favorite piece on their album.

The accompanying drums of Aaron Binder glue the arrangement together with steady sticks and a determined tempo. He securely locks the tune into place. During the tender improvisation of Chris Whiteman, Randall Pharr lends his bass to the mix, as if in conversation with Whiteman’s guitar.  It’s a magical meeting.

It takes sensitivity and emotional binding for a piano and guitar to meld and merge. Whiteman and Binder show us how it’s done with care, creativity, inventiveness and spontaneity.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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