I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, New Paradigm, from Zen Zadravec, and it’s strong! Opening with driving, First Impressions, John Douglas on trumpet, Dominic Bierenga on tenor sax and Todd Bashore on alto sax really rip the melody with firm punctuation by Zan Zadravec on piano, Mike Pope on bass and David Alverez. Zen cruises into an easy, laid back take on the melody before blowing the doors open with a super expansion with terrific percussion soloing and detailing by Alvarez. Excellent opener. Rebirth is a cool Brazilian/Chick Corea influence with Bierenga on sax joining with Dylan Bell on vocal, articulating the melody. Elaborating on the theme, joined by Zen who expands the track with brightness and an almost joyous feel, anchored by Alvarez on drums. Very nice. In Memoriam (In Memory of Irene Zadravec) has a beautiful melody illustrated by Bierenga on soprano with counterpoint by Zen on piano and excellent drumming by Alvarez. A lush bass solo by Pope, who I believe is one of today’s more interesting bass players, gives this track a serious lift and an adventurous, nicely articulated piano solo by Zen really floats. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Do or Do Not, There Is No Try has a terrific, jagged rhythm and memorable melody led by John Douglas on trumpet, Bashore and Bierenga with highly articulate bass by Pope and snappy drumming by Alvarez. Excellent piano and keys by Zen really kicks this track. Bierenga sails on tenor sax trading with Bashore on alto and intricate drum and bass work by Alvarez and Pope really give this track that extra something. Wow! Sit still on that one! Wrapping the release is The Warrior’s Code opened by an intellectual piano solo by Zen. Winding up the track is Travis Aukerman on drums and Douglas on trumpet, and Bierenga and Bashore on sax. Pope steps up with electric bass and really nails the lead with clean, brilliant phrasing, punctuated by Zen. Bashore steps up with alto stretching for the next level before handing off to Douglas for a tight trumpet solo of his own with Aukerman really working it on drums. Bierenga conjures up a frenzy on sax before Zen regroups with a composed melodic solo taking the track home. Very nice closer for a terrific release.
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