Check out this Review of Fourthought's Album by writer Scott Yanow:
NICHOLAS BIELLO/MANUEL WEYAND QUARTET
FOURTHOUGHT
The four musicians on this excellent CD, altoist Nicholas Biello (who doubles on soprano), drummer Manuel Weyand, pianist Kerong Chok and bassist Cameron Kayne, are important young voices on the New York jazz scene. Coming from very different backgrounds (Weyand was born in Germany and Chok was a significant musician in his native Singapore), they have no difficulty communicating with each other on a set of explorative and dynamic post bop music.
The quartet, which is co-led by Biello and Weyand, perform four originals by the saxophonist, two by the drummer and “On Green Dolphin Street.” None of the new pieces are simply run throughs on familiar chord changes and even “On Green Dolphin Street” sounds much different than usual. The interplay between the musicians is as impressive as their high musicianship and, even with a few brief references to past masters, the music is modern and creative.
The program begins with “Laurceny,” a hard swinging straight ahead piece. Biello's passionate and advanced alto hints in spots at both Cannonball Adderley and Eric Dolphy while being quite original. Chok has a nice spot on piano and drummer Weyand is featured in a brief tradeoff and a concise solo. The jazz waltz “Rumi Native” is a thoughtful piece that is harmonically complex and would have been worthy of Wayne Shorter.
“Green Dolphin Street” is one of the most overplayed songs at jazz jam sessions. However this version, which has been modernized, is quite fresh. Biello takes apart the song with inventive and high-powered ideas while Weyand has an inventive drum solo over a catchy rhythmic pattern. “Intercession” is a ballad with solos by bassist Kayne, Chok and Biello on soprano that take their time and use space well. Its haunting theme deserves to be covered by other modern jazz musicians.
“Arrival,” which has Chok on electric piano, features a menacing feel to its rhythm and a passionate tradeoff by Biello and the keyboardist. After the intensity of “Arrival,” “A Change Of Heart” is a bit of a relief, a heartfelt ballad with melodic and soulful playing by altoist Biello. The closer, a version of “Amethyst” that was recorded live, builds from Chok's out-of-time free piano to evolving into a dense and exciting workout for the full quartet with Biello's soprano in the lead.
Fourthought is a highly recommended set of 21st century jazz that points the way towards the future of the music. This CD is an early milestone for each of its four musicians.
Scott Yanow, author of ten books including Trumpet Kings, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1
visit http://www.fourthought.net for more information
You can buy our record through CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fourthought
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fourthought Press Release
FOURTHOUGHT QUARTET
Debut at the Blue Note NYC
October 21st, 2010
Fourthought debuts at the famed New York City music venue, Blue Note, opening for multi-GRAMMY winner, Gary Burton. Presenting original compositions charged with immediacy, Fourthought will take the stage on Thursday, October 21st at 6:30 p.m. for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of jazz.
As part of the Blue Note Emerging Artist Series, the performance will feature co-leaders Nick Biello and Manuel Weyand on saxophone and drums, respectively, as well as pianist Kerong Chok and Cameron Kayne, bassist. Both Biello and Weyand combine to lend their considerable compositional talents, fueling the repertoire of Fourthought that ranges from gritty, no-holds-barred to dark, moody and cerebral. Purchase your tickets now! Tickets range from $20 to $30 and will provide access to Gary Burton’s 8:00pm set at no additional charge. To purchase tickets call 212-475-8592 or visit www.bluenotejazz.com
More About Fourthought
Fourthought is a young and dynamic New York City-based Jazz quartet, collaboratively lead by saxophonist Nick Biello and drummer Manuel Weyand. This classic instrumentation is propelled to new directions by its international cast of top-notch improvisers.
Every band member lends a personal and unique color to the sound of the ensemble, as they each hail from diverse places such as Singapore, Germany and New York City. Fourthought features fresh, original repertoire that is simultaneously true to the Jazz tradition.
Don't miss your chance to catch this exciting group that features some of New York's best emerging young talent! To purchase tickets call 212-475-8592 or visit www.bluenote.net
More About Blue Note
Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village. Jazz is undoubtedly America's music, and while Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, the club is a place where progression and innovation - the foundations of jazz - are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. In addition to the acts that feature the likes of Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, and Chris Botti, Blue Note has introduced the Emerging Artist Series, designed to highlight new artists at the Blue Note as opening acts for jazz legends. The club receives rave reviews on a weekly basis in New York's daily newspapers such as The New York Times and in international travel guides and magazines. What makes Blue Note so special is that on a given night, anything can happen. After twenty-five years of success, Blue Note continues to carry the torch for jazz into the 21st century in the cultural heart of New York, Greenwich Village.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For further information about Fourthought, such as booking details, or to schedule an interview, please visit:
www.fourthought.net or send an email to fourthoughtjazz@gmail.com
Debut at the Blue Note NYC
October 21st, 2010
Fourthought debuts at the famed New York City music venue, Blue Note, opening for multi-GRAMMY winner, Gary Burton. Presenting original compositions charged with immediacy, Fourthought will take the stage on Thursday, October 21st at 6:30 p.m. for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of jazz.
As part of the Blue Note Emerging Artist Series, the performance will feature co-leaders Nick Biello and Manuel Weyand on saxophone and drums, respectively, as well as pianist Kerong Chok and Cameron Kayne, bassist. Both Biello and Weyand combine to lend their considerable compositional talents, fueling the repertoire of Fourthought that ranges from gritty, no-holds-barred to dark, moody and cerebral. Purchase your tickets now! Tickets range from $20 to $30 and will provide access to Gary Burton’s 8:00pm set at no additional charge. To purchase tickets call 212-475-8592 or visit www.bluenotejazz.com
More About Fourthought
Fourthought is a young and dynamic New York City-based Jazz quartet, collaboratively lead by saxophonist Nick Biello and drummer Manuel Weyand. This classic instrumentation is propelled to new directions by its international cast of top-notch improvisers.
Every band member lends a personal and unique color to the sound of the ensemble, as they each hail from diverse places such as Singapore, Germany and New York City. Fourthought features fresh, original repertoire that is simultaneously true to the Jazz tradition.
Don't miss your chance to catch this exciting group that features some of New York's best emerging young talent! To purchase tickets call 212-475-8592 or visit www.bluenote.net
More About Blue Note
Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village. Jazz is undoubtedly America's music, and while Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, the club is a place where progression and innovation - the foundations of jazz - are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. In addition to the acts that feature the likes of Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, and Chris Botti, Blue Note has introduced the Emerging Artist Series, designed to highlight new artists at the Blue Note as opening acts for jazz legends. The club receives rave reviews on a weekly basis in New York's daily newspapers such as The New York Times and in international travel guides and magazines. What makes Blue Note so special is that on a given night, anything can happen. After twenty-five years of success, Blue Note continues to carry the torch for jazz into the 21st century in the cultural heart of New York, Greenwich Village.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For further information about Fourthought, such as booking details, or to schedule an interview, please visit:
www.fourthought.net or send an email to fourthoughtjazz@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)