The HORG Quartet

February 22, 2017
Meg, Kichijoji

Alan Gleason – bass
Iwao Ochi 越智巌-- guitar
Mike Reznikoff -- drums
Seiji Harakawa 原川 誠司-- saxophones

The HORG Quartet gave a marvelous, moving sendoff to Meg, which closed its doors at the end of February, for an evening of intimate, solid jazz. The group worked through a striking set of energetic takes with a sense of immediacy and deep understanding of how jazz can best be experienced.

Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” was given a full modal workout, with great solos by Harakawa and Ochi. The song was full of interesting solos on this standard as Gleason held the reins with just the right leadership. On every song, Gleason added rock-solid bass playing, but he also has a lot to say on his solos, too. Graciously giving the first solos to Harakawa and Ochi, Gleason always gets them to take off, then, when it comes to his turn, takes off right after them. That dynamic propels every song, especially cool-hot burners like “Nica’s Dream,” but also on steadier songs like the quartet’s take on “My Funny Valentine.”

Reznikoff on drums is always a marvel, but he has a special connection with the others in this band. His tasteful drumming does more than keep the beat. He’s always adding little extras, like the bells on “Footprints,” or the enticing cymbal work on almost every tune. Reznikoff plays nimbly and lightly, but somehow creates a huge sense of rhythmic space for the others to work in. Gleason and Reznikoff have played together in various configurations over the years and their interplay feels easy and passionate.

Tunes like Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia” are like big chunks of musical clay in the hands of these guys. Reznikoff keeps the wheel spinning and Gleason, Ochi and Harakawa shape it into fascinating forms and textures, always moving, and always delicately shifting.

The group has a powerful sense of how jazz connects best to an intimate setting. The rich depth of their ensemble playing is what live jazz is all about. It extends back to the traditions of jazz, all the satisfying rhythms, chords and melodies, but brings it right into the present moment. The full house of fans knew just where they were, in the hands of real jazz musicians.

The HORG Quartet does not play often enough around Tokyo, but they can be found at clubs along the Chuo Line. They are a marvelous group who will grandly pay back the small effort to track them down and hear them live.

All photos courtesy of Susan Carole