ERIC McPHERSON

DOUBLE BASS QUARTET

GiantStepsArts

Eric McPherson, drums; David Virelles, piano; John Hébert & Ben Street, bass.

Nearly two decades after his first album release, drummer Eric McPherson returns leading a “Double Bass Quartet.” This project features two exceptional bassists, John Hébert and Ben Street. This highly creative music was recorded with and without an audience at New York’s Hunter College in the Ida K. Lang Recital Hall.  Joining the drums and duo bass players is the brilliant Cuban pianist, David Virelles.

They open with “Ode to You” composed by Andrew Hill, played at a straight-ahead medium tempo with both basses busy beneath the steady melodic lines and rhythmic chords of Virelles on piano.  I listened to this tune three times in a row, because at first the groove was foggy, like on a highway near the ocean, cruising on one of those misty nights when suddenly you are surrounded by a thick fog that keeps you from seeing the car in front of you. I couldn’t truly understand or see where these musicians were trying to take me.  In a way, this tune was a special nod to Andrew Hill from both McPherson and Hébert who both performed in Hill’s group right before the master’s 2007 death. It’s a highly innovative arrangement.

I was clearer on “Blind Pig,” composed by bassist John Hébert. Two basses playing simultaneously is a study in improvisation and human connection.  They have to be in tune with each other to pull this off. No worries!  These two excellent musicians are stellar, both separately and united.  The avant-garde piano renderings of Virelles dances on top of the basses, with Eric McPherson’s solidifying drums holding the piece in place.

One of my favorite arrangements on this album was Stanley Cowell’s “Illusion Suite” with its sweeping musical phrases and rich bass lines.

McPherson’s drums sound like a relative’s code tapping on my front door.  He opens his solo drum piece this way, then morphs into more complicated techniques. Born December 11, 1970, in New York City, his entire life was shaped by iconic musicians who inspired him from an early age. His Godfather is legendary bass man, Richard Davis.  His family’s close friends included a handful of drummers like Max Roach, Freddie Waits, Charles Moffett and Michael Carvin. His mentors wound up being Jackie McLean and pianist Andrew Hill. McPherson joined McLean’s band as a teenager. From the beginning, it appears his path was destined towards a life of music. It was rolled out like a bright red carpet before him.

“Darn That Dream” gives the bass players a beautiful melody to intoxicate us with their rich, low interpretations.  I love the harmonics that David Virelles hears in his head and streams through his fingertips.

This is a very special drum album of intricate music. It spotlights the unusual pairing of master bassists, a gifted pianist, and the incredible drum skills of Eric McPherson that brings them all together, tight and dependable as Velcro.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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