Miles251 Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 I had the pleasure of checking out a clinic and a concert by Cuong Vu and his working/recording trio last weekend and was knocked out by the way that he spoke of his approach to the music he plays, but also his ability to pull it off on the horn. I found his sound to be resonant and full of colors and his ability to manipulate it was astounding. He played a couple of tunes with a very good college big band and smoked a tune on "I Hear A Rhapsody" changes, taking a giant step away from traditional hardbop and dealing with the harmony in a very Haganesque sense. I was moved by his sound and note choices on a chart they played on "Blue and Green"...sublime! Cuong and the band were joined by his trio, Ted Poor on drums and Stomu Takeishi on bass to close the first set with a Kim Richmond arrangement of "Nardis". Burnin'....! The second set was just trio...full of beautiful simple melodies, loops. effects, serious grooves and open free improvisations that snapped back into form on a dime. Cuong and Stomu had artful control of their electronic effects and layering.....really ear-candy after hearing and working with 32-34 high school bands and playing two concerts over a two day period. I'm very familar with his Omnitone recording and his recent stuff with Methany and I dug it all, but this trio just stays in my head. Has anyone checked out his new side called "It's Mostly Residual" with Bill Frisell on guitar? Quote
Lazaro Vega Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 (edited) Yes. Are you in Iowa? He played live on Blue Lake Public Radio last Wednesday after having been in Cleveland doing clinics, then drove to Blue Lake, and left the next day for Iowa. The majority of the radio program was dedicated to music from "It's Mostly Residual." In retrospect I should have asked him, "What's mostly residual?" Great group of musicians. Had a lot of fun with their mix of styles. There is some commentary in the "Jazz Radio" section of the board. http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=25053 Edited February 21, 2006 by Lazaro Vega Quote
Joe G Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 I just got back from the show in Ann Arbor, at the very intimate Kerrytown Concert House (and I do mean house)... The concert was very, very good. It was very sophisticated and satisfying on so many levels. Actually, I'm a little taken aback by what I just witnessed! Every piece was like a story - there was a very strong narrative element to the performances - and the transitions between the different parts of the narrative really knocked me out. Like you said, the way they "snap back into form" was often brilliant; if indeed they ever departed from the form (hard for me to say without seeing several concerts for comparison). There was a great amount of contrast to the music, like sweetly touching melodies and harmonies (not unlike those found in Metheny's music), then driving rock beats, then primal screams. And it was all exquisitely paced (and placed) to create maximum effect. But for all that contrast, everything seemed to flow so well and be all of a piece, like how it's the same ocean no matter if the weather is stormy or calm. Plus, just some damn good playing from everyone. LOVE Cuong's tone, rhythm, and phrasing, while Ted's sense of time and his overall approach to creating effects on the kit were eye opening! I bought the new CD from him tonight; based on the samples I listened to previously I'm sure it will be good. But that concert! Quote
Joe G Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 Chicagolanders: check them out at Hothouse on the 22nd! Quote
randissimo Posted February 22, 2006 Report Posted February 22, 2006 Joe G said: I just got back from the show in Ann Arbor, at the very intimate Kerrytown Concert House (and I do mean house)... The concert was very, very good. It was very sophisticated and satisfying on so many levels. Actually, I'm a little taken aback by what I just witnessed! Every piece was like a story - there was a very strong narrative element to the performances - and the transitions between the different parts of the narrative really knocked me out. Like you said, the way they "snap back into form" was often brilliant; if indeed they ever departed from the form (hard for me to say without seeing several concerts for comparison). There was a great amount of contrast to the music, like sweetly touching melodies and harmonies (not unlike those found in Metheny's music), then driving rock beats, then primal screams. And it was all exquisitely paced (and placed) to create maximum effect. But for all that contrast, everything seemed to flow so well and be all of a piece, like how it's the same ocean no matter if the weather is stormy or calm. Plus, just some damn good playing from everyone. LOVE Cuong's tone, rhythm, and phrasing, while Ted's sense of time and his overall approach to creating effects on the kit were eye opening! I bought the new CD from him tonight; based on the samples I listened to previously I'm sure it will be good. But that concert! I'm glad you had a chance to catch them Joe. I heard them on WBLV last week and was lovin' what I heard! Quote
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