PLAINSPEAK

SOMEONE TO SOMEONE

Irabbagast Records

Jon Irabagon, alto saxophone; Russ Johnson, trumpet; Clark Sommers, acoustic bass; Dana Hall, drums.

The press agent of this Filipino-American saxophonist aptly labels Jon Irabagon a ‘musical explorer.’  That he is! His new quartet is called, “PlainsPeak.”  Together, these four talented musicians push the boundaries of an all-acoustic jazz quartet, from Straight-ahead to avant-garde. Irabagon is reunited with trumpeter Russ Johnson who played on Jon’s 2008 debut album, “Outright!”

Soon after their recording together, Russ Johnson relocated to Wisconsin to accept a teaching position. He made a splash in Chicago’s improvised music community, about an hour’s drive away from where Johnson was living. Irabagon knew, as soon as he moved to “the Windy City,” he was going to reunite with his old friend.

The alto saxophonist also has ties to bassist Clark Sommers. They met in the 1990s, when the bass player accompanied Jon Irabagon during his first ever high school public performance.

“I’ve known Clark for my whole professional career,” Irabagon shares in his press package.

Track #2 called “Buggin’ the Bug” is a very Monkish tune.  I can tell that Thelonious Monk has greatly influenced Irabagon. Jon has composed every song on this album. On a tune he calls “At What Price Garlic” free reign is given to drummer Dana Hall. He sparkles royally, like a meteor entering the universe at top speed.

I love the tone and sentiment in Jon Irabagon’s alto saxophone, especially when he plays a ballad. “Tiny Miracles (at a Funeral for a Friend)” is a fine example of Irabagon’s tender and emotional connection to his instrument.  When Russ Johnson joins on trumpet, the music becomes more accelerated.  Then Clark Sommers steps forward on acoustic bass and calms the moment during his rumbling solo. These four musicians fit together, close and comfortable, like a hand in glove moment.

The title of Jon’s group, “PlainsPeak” celebrates his quartet with a title that exemplifies his approach to music and creativity. With the words “Plain Speak” cuddled in the group name, it may also reflect his musical artistry. No frills. Just plain jazz spoken here. It also reflects his second home of Chicago, Illinois, the ‘peak’ of the Great Plains. His composition, “Malört is my Shepherd” references Jeppson’s Malört, a locally produced wormwood flavored Chicago liqueur.

“This record reflects everything that I love about Chicago, and Chicago music, from straight-ahead to the avant-garde,” Irabagon states.

The inside of his album cover celebrates Jon’s love for the city with a headline “PlainsPeak Releases Love Letter to Chicago.” Jon sings his praises for the Midwestern city that inspired new music and opened its arms to his heart and soul. He continues to be proudly invested in Chicago’s improvised music community.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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