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Press Release (excerpt)
by Ed Hazell, 10/1/2010
Botanic (October 26, Ottimo Records) marks the recording debut of vibraphonist Tyler Blanton , a major new voice on the instrument. The twenty-nine year old Brooklyn resident plays with a richly textured sound, a keen lyricism, and a sense of surprise that makes his first CD a gorgeous, joyful, and rewarding album. His quartet, featuring saxophonist Joel Frahm , bassist Dan Loomis , and drummer Jared Schonig play Blantons original compositions with a depth of understanding and adventurous spirit that gives the music immediacy and verve. Bassist Aidan Carroll and drummer Richie Barshay also appear on two tracks. The album is certain to be one of the best debuts of the year.
The opening Already Here , quickly establishes the deep communication within in the group as well as Blantons unique voice. Blantons solo is surprisingly mature for a player making his first album. It flows with naturalness and ease, blending funky blues, advanced harmonies, and melodic ideas into a fully developed statement. On Good Ol Joel , he pushes his lines as far as they can go without ever breaking their continuity or sacrificing their innate lyricism. He uses his considerable four-mallet technique with consistent imagination, creating arresting harmonies and unexpected accents on the title track.
The rest of the musicians are with him every step of the way. Bassist Loomiswho leads his own group, the Dan Loomis Quartet (DLQ), and is a member of the collaborative Wee Triois an exceptionally fluid bassist. His relaxed mobility, clean articulation, and light woody tone help weave together Already Here and Little Two. Drummer Schonig, a veteran of bands led by Wynton Marsalis, Fred Hersch, Wycliffe Gordon, Joe Locke, Dr. Lonnie Smith and many others, is both versatile and sensitive. On Foreshadowing he kicks up a storm of rhythm, circling around the beat while propelling the group forward. Then on Already Here and the lilting Botanic, his easy groove shepherds the band with gentle grace. Saxophonist Frahm, a strong presence as a leader and sideman in New York since the late 90s, is probably most widely known for his work with singer Jane Monheit. His solos on Vestibule and Botanic raise the excitement level of the music, even as he interacts with the band.
Botanic
Tyler Blanton- Vibraphone
Joel Frahm- Tenor Saxophone on tracks 2 & 4. Soprano sax on 3,5,7 & 8.
Richie Barshay- Drums on 5 &8
Aidan Carroll- Bass on 5 & 8
Dan Loomis- Bass on 1,2,3,4,6,&7
Jared Schonig- Drums on 1,2,3,4,6,&7
All Compositions by Tyler Blanton
Recorded at Systems Two Studios in Brooklyn NY on January 6 & 7, 2010.
Recording engineer: Rich Lamb, mixed by Joe Marciano, and mastered by Mike Marciano
Photos and CD design by Clare M. Chen
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