CONVERGENCE

RECKLESS METER

Capri Records Ltd.

Eric Gunnison, piano; Mark Simon, bass; Paul Romaine, drums; John Gunther, tenor saxophone; Mark Patterson, trombone; Greg Gisbert, trumpet/flugelhorn.

‘Convergence’ is Colorado’s premiere modern jazz sextet.  Their album, “Reckless Meter” showcases original compositions written by the ensemble members. This project opens with a tune called “Big Boot” composed by bassist, Mark Simon.  It marches onto the scene, rooted in the blues and shuffling along at a moderate pace.  The sassy horns punctuate the arrangement, while solos by Eric Gunnison on piano, Greg Gisbert on trumpet, and John Gunther on tenor saxophone add sparkle to the production. I am introduced to Mark Patterson’ s warm trombone tone during his swinging solo. Throughout, Paul Romaine’s drums hold the tempo steady, rhythmically and colorfully adding to the ‘swing.’

“Springaling” is another rhythm piece, with lots of unexpected breaks and Mark Simon’s bass line stringing the arrangement together. The harmonics are sometimes dissonant, but in a very beautiful way. The piece embraces urgency as a theme, spotlighting Romaine on trap drums, with the horns once again unfolding the melody, sometimes in a contrapuntal way.

The third cut is a charmer.  Titled, ‘Margaret Clara” it’s a slow swing written by Mark Patterson.  This is followed by another swinging production composed by drummer, Paul Romaine.  It’s called “It’s One or Not One,” which is a title that tickles the brain.  Paul gets to show off his drum skills during this slick production.

Pianist Gunnison explained, “This band has always been about connection, with each other, with the audience, and with the music itself. Convergence is more than a name; it’s how we approach everything we do musically.”

The pulse and power of this band is in their creative composer abilities, their individual excellence as musicians, and their unified effort as the group “Convergence.”  Webster’s Dictionary says “to converge” is to come together from different directions and eventually meet as one.  This jazz ensemble is a terrific example of that description.  You will be thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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