Chuck Zeuren
Why Not??
Red Records
Prezzo I..32,000
Independent Jazz labels, although riff with mis-management, have the advantage of being able to produce those types of jazz CD’s that do not require much marketing strategy or trendy titles. If it weren’t for those record labels that are as courageous and convincing as Red Records, we probably would have never been able to come to know the Drummer Chuck Zeuren and his band. This is one of the newest and the most exciting jazz band (heard by me) in these modern times.
The liner notes let us come to know about a graduate from Berklee College of Music who in the early 80’s became active in New York in various diverse musical contexts. "Why Not?" is a very modern hard bop album with all of the compositions written and arranged by Zeuren who knows how to get the most out of his guys. Worth mentioning is the Japanese trumpeter Shunzo Ono, the tenor saxophonist Dave Finucane, the pianist Roger Wilder, the bassist Dick Sarpola and the Brazilian percussionist Café, the only one who has the advantage of relative popularity. The five vary a lot in their interpretation of the high level musical passages. These are all top-level musicians. It isn’t extraordinary that a work of this type should come from unknowns. We have written many times about the great jazz quality coming from America and therefore this should not be shocking, in fact quite the contrary. A big thanks to Red for having produced an album such as this, really. The appeal of the writer and his accomplices is underrated and merits our unconditional support. The album was recorded in the highest technical manner at Westlake studios in Los Angeles. Spread the word!
Marco Crisostomi
* * * * * * * * * *Artistic Quality (9 Stars)
* * * * * * * * * *Sound Quality (10 Stars)
Back to
"Reviews"
or
The "Real Diddy"
Before you leave, please sign my "Guestbook"
