CLARK SOMMERS

WaBaSH

Calligram Records

Clark Sommers, bass; John Wojciechowski, alto & tenor saxophones/flute; Geof Bradfield, soprano & tenor saxophones/bass clarinet; Dana Hall, drums/cymbals.

This quartet is one of the popular working bands in the Chicago area for nearly two decades.  Bass man, Clark Sommers has been connected to his bandmates since the late 1990s.  That’s when he first met tenor saxophonist, Geof Bradfield and drummer Dana Hall. Together with John Wojciechowski they have formed a sound and identity, captured in this recording and spread around the stages and clubs of the “Windy City.”  They refer to themselves as “WaBaSH.” Their music reflects a musical exploration of trust and sensitivity, built on years of interaction and playing together.

“It embodies the full manifestation of individual and collective growth of a refined musical vision shared amongst close friends and collaborators,” Sommers espouses.

All four members of WaBaSH contribute original compositions to showcase their individual voices.  They recorded one cover song by Dave Brubeck, “In Your Own Sweet Way” that digs deeply into the blues and modernizes an old tune. But all the other tunes on the album are original.

The ten-minute opener titled “Points of Reduction” is written by Sommers along with four other compositions.  “Close the Loop” is track #2 and quickly catches my ear with the bass line creating a rhythm all its own underneath the horn lines.

Dana Hall wrote the tune, “Kasbah.”  It’s introduced by the upright bass of Clark Sommers. This tune has a very Arabian feel to it and allows the woodwinds to explore the minor melody, while Dana Hall kicks up the energy on his trap drums beneath their solo behavior. Three-quarters of the way through this arrangement, they turn this tune into a traditional straight-ahead production, before returning to the theme.  I found this song to be quite intoxicating with an interesting arrangement.

I love the tone and texture of the bass clarinet.  Geof Bradfield is boldly featured playing it on “Contemplation.” He also composed this song, where he finds additional space to play his flute.

WaBaSH builds on the jazz tradition, while walking firmly into their own realm, creating a territory that is uniquely theirs.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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