Mike Mainieri - An American Diary: The Dreamings

by David R. Adler

The Dreamings is the second volume of Mike Mainieri's An American Diary project. The vibraphonist and leader appears primarily with saxophonist George Garzone, bassist Marc Johnson, and drummer Peter Erskine. But thanks to the rotating cast of guest musicians, each track is a wholly new experience, distinguished by unexpected timbres and colors. Especially noteworthy are George Garzone's clarinet on "One Night in Paradise," Erik Friedlander's cello on "Planting Rice Is Never Fun," Simon Seven's didgeridoo on "The Dreamings," and Arto Tuncboyan's sazabo on "Dear, My Friend (The Gift)." Mainieri's goal was to explore his musical upbringing in an American immigrant family, as well as his later experiences as a traveling musician. His first American Diary record included music by composers as far apart as Aaron Copland and Frank Zappa. This diary entry has an even broader scope, including folk material from the Philippines and Yemen, as well as original pieces inspired by Australian aborigines, gypsies, and the Navajo and Apache tribes. Mainieri's use of the term "American" is therefore expansive, and subtly provocative. But the session never comes across as stilted political correctness or contrived world music. It swings. And in the process, it communicates with the listener in a genuine, unaffected way. — David R. Adler

The Fringe In New York - George Garzone (NYC)

By Ron Wynn - jazztimes.com January/February 2001

Saxophonist George Garzone's led various editions of The Fringe, Boston's finest free ensemble, over 25 years. During that time he's remained true to his central mission: championing original compositions and searing improvisational works. There's nothing detached or commercial in the music of Garzone or The Fringe; they've retained their popularity on the East Coast despite being relegated to working the avant-garde circuit and seldom appearing in prestigious venues. The Fringe in New York not only represents their fourth release for the NYC label, it spotlights the trio working alongside special guest vibist Mike Mainieri, who doubled as producer. Mainieri's dabbled previously in both third stream and fusion, but his work throughout this session ventures into the same territory as that of more adventurous players like Walt Dickerson, Karl Berger and the youthful Bobby Hutcherson. His solos include slashing rhythms, present an array of tonal colors and fit right into the fireworks generated by Garzone, bassist John Lockwood and drummer Bob Gullotti. Garzone's splayed overdubbed alto on "Anthony Goes to Mardi Gras" ranks as a set highlight, but he's just as distinctive on soprano throughout "Tale of Two Cities" and tenor on "Ultra Tempo." As with many saxophonists who work outside the mainstream, there's long been the lingering myth that Garzone uses the avant-garde banner to mask technical deficiencies. That notion gets repeatedly disproved throughout the date. Garzone never plays out of tune, can play the blues with aplomb and occasionally even steps into the hard-bop or swing arena. Bassist John Lockwood gets things started in memorable fashion with an astonishing solo on "Tribute to 'Trane." He doesn't utilize strumming or flamenco tendencies as often as the late Jimmy Garrison, but he certainly plays with equal verve and assertiveness. Gullotti powers the trio with resilience, moving from Afro-Latin to light swing to pile-driving beats with ease. Though no disc can match The Fringe's amazing concerts, this date nicely approximates their magical shows and sound.

Steps Ahead, Live at the Blue Note - March 2000

By David R. Adler - allaboutjazz.com

It appears that Steps Ahead is back, and possibly better than ever. The lineup is simply a dream: founder Mike Mainieri on vibes, Bob Berg on tenor and soprano saxes, Joey Calderazzo on piano, Scott Colley on bass, and Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums. The new, improved Steps Ahead begins its first February 23 set with "D Minor," then tackles a frenetic Copland piano sonata excerpt, then quiets it down with "Los Dos Lorettas." Now, all of these selections Mainieri has either performed or recorded under his own name. Is this Steps Ahead or the Mike Mainieri show? Well, who really cares. This repertoire seems tailor-made for these phenomenal players, all of whom turn out solos that overflow with refined yet fierce swing. The set continues with one of the group’s early masterpieces, "Pools." Mainieri is then on his own for a sparkling solo arrangement of "Lush Life." When the full band returns to the stage, they launch into a Bob Berg-penned uptempo burner that leaves the audience, if not the band, breathless. This could be the best Steps Ahead lineup yet. Let’s hope it remains intact for at least an album or two.

This 1980 Steps release with the band configuration preceding Steps Ahead is a freewheeling live romp, recorded at Japan's Pit Inn, and an exciting showcase for drummer Steve Gadd, saxophonist Michael Brecker, bassist Eddie Gomez, and the late, great pianist Don Grolnick, as well as Mainieri himself. Lovingly re-assembled by Mainieri, the 2-CD set includes several alternate takes and unreleased tracks for hard-core fans to discover. For many, however, Smokin' will appeal as a document of its time, and a chance to look in on the early days of some of today's legends. The content itself highlights the sheer joy of a tight band in wild improv heaven: Grolnick's keyboards spiraling wickedly in a mad, exhausting dance with Gadd on "Fawlty Tenors," and Brecker's swaggering lead on the unreleased swinging timing piece "Uncle Bob" are just a couple of the many highlights. Although the fusion feel of the time, as well as '70s rock flavors (as on the fusion-meets-the-Doobies "Tee Bag") are in evidence here, the level of exploration is also key. Where "Lover Man" showcases Mainieri in a dark take on straightahead jazz longing, "Song to Seth" pulls bluesy emotion into its light, music box texture.