Contemporary and straight-ahead jazz fans, it’s time for a serious Vibe Check!
Any rave review or enthusiastic endorsement for veteran vibraphonist Joe Baione’s vibrant, perfectly titled new ensemble album simply follows in the formidable footsteps of his mentor, bebop great Benny Golson, who once said of the dynamic, ever-adventurous Baione, “In him you have a man with vision who is able to realize the future today.” Not long before his recent passing, the legendary saxophonist, praising the poppin’, soulful 10 tracks of Vibe Check, said, “Joe, you have made your imagination the theater of your mind concerning your playing and composing.”
As Baione leads us on his infectious, highly improvisational whirlwind from the energetic mood-swinging romp “The Journey” (a powerful introduction to the explosive solo fire of Baione, pianist Toru Dod, trumpeter Duane Eubanks and drummer Jerome Jennings) ) through the snappy, rambunctious “Lulu” (ditto on the buoyant soloing by all), we become joyfully aware that the project is a multi-generational family affair.
The emotional core of the album are three originals that Baione refashioned from incredible decades-old compositions by his father and first primary influence, clarinetist/saxophonist/educator Jim Baione – the bustling, whimsical and percussive to the point of tribal “Lost Control,” the silky and heartfelt, increasingly passionate exploratory gem “Faith is My Destiny” and the haunting, meditational ballad “Quiet Ways.” In the midst of that, to showcase just how emphatically jazz runs in the family, Baione introduces us on the charming, emotionally urgent romantic expression “Come Close” to his daughter Alexis, whose compelling performance (including uplifting moments of colorful scat) put an encouraging down payment on the pursuit of her dreams of being an impactful jazz vocalist.
These tracks are all phenomenal introductions to The Joe Baoine Vibraphone Experience (as he calls his live ensemble), but my personal favorites are the spirited, lightning paced and ever-bustling “Superhero” (inspired by a bygone era when his now-grown son would run around in a cape - another great family connection!) and the sexy and fiery Latin barnburner “Hot Mama.” So yes, if you feel the need for a jazzy lift, make time for a Vibe Check on your next listening session. Joe Baione’s had the goods when he released his debut album Oh Yeah! In 2008, and he’s taken them to the next level here!
Comments