MT6 “Trust”

MT6 “Trust” (Panormo) 
Mark Tourian -- bass
James Mahone -- alto sax
Pat Hallaran -- trombone
Yoshiro Okazaki -- trumpet
Simon Cosgrove -- pianoJuasa Kanoh -- drums
www.marktourian.com

This recording from one of Tokyo’s top bassists, arrangers and leaders, Mark Tourian, features lush originals and lovely arrangements of standards played by some of Tokyo’s first-call musicians. Such a collective of top talent can sometimes work against a CD, with everyone playing on their own, but the exact opposite happens here. The six musicians create a blend that is strong and exquisite, west coast cool jazz in one sense, and distinctive and fresh on every cut.

The CD starts out with a lovely take on “Night and Day” that is so tranquil you lean in to hear, and are instantly rewarded. The opening lines of Tourian’s arrangement smoothly turn into Okazaki’s fluid lines on trumpet. Okazaki knows just how to pull the melody into unexpected and impassioned forms. This version of the classic song is not rushed (as it often is) giving time to sink into the subtleties of the song with thoughtful solos.“Fight for Survival” is not the fast-paced tune one might expect, but a cool set of changes under which Tourian runs a nifty bass line. The other five musicians take off and explore, keeping the melodic directions unexpected. The song moves through distinct sections that surprise one by one before forming a panoramic whole. Tourian’s original, “Trust,” offers minor moods and subtle rhythmic pulses. The bass holds the center for everyone else to layer fresh hues. The band has a broad palette of sounds, with strong dynamics, fluid lines, and deep feeling.

Tourian’s arrangement of “If I Should Lose You” is upbeat at just the right tempo. The horns on the take-off melody blend like a great whiskey and Mahone’s soloing stands out on this song. “September Song” is given a delicate, unhurried take that lets the beauty of the melody rise up. Nimble arco bass from Tourian adds more texture to the mix. Halloran’s trombone makes the song come alive and shows his talents well.“Con Alma” is taken at an easy pace allowing lots of complexity to rise up from the chords. Cosgrove’s piano here really brings out the lush beauty of the song, instead of racing through the fast bop changes it’s often wrapped up in. “Cleanup” rounds out this marvelous CD. It’s a nice original from Tourian with melody lines converging from the horns as if sweeping up the notes and arranging them right where they should be. Where this CD should be is in your collection.

MT6 live review

https://www.jazzinjapan.com/homepage/2015/05/17/mark-tourian-mt6/