octetcds

Issue #44

Last Update March 2, 2006

Arts New Works by Octet Members by David Katz One of the joys of reviewing is to see the development of artists over the years. The Chris Byars Octet, which has been performing lately at Swing46, a jazz club on West 46th Street, has several members with new CDs. Neal Miner, the Octet bassist whose first CD (The Real Neal) was reviewed here in November 2002, has just released The Evening Sound, with the Neal Miner Sextet (Richie Vitale, trumpet, John Mosca, trombone, Chris Byars, tenor sax, Steve Ash, drums, and of course Neal Miner on bass).

Like his previous CD, this offering features Neal's original compositions and arrangements, orchestrated by Chris Byars. A few of the numbers are Neal's adaptations of compositions by some of the great jazz artists of the past. His highly melodic bass line is his signature, and is shown to good advantage in pieces such as "Night Owl", "The Evening Sound", and "Black Beans". The generosity of Neal Miner's talent is exhibited in the fact that the pieces on the album are not just bass compositions with a backup group; every instrument has the opportunity to take the spotlight and sing its unique song. The music ranges in feel from quiet contemplation to bounce and joy. The incredibly talented members of the Sextet each bring musical interest and excitement to every piece on this album, and allow Neal's music and artistry to shine. The Evening Sound is a worthy sequel to The Real Neal.

Sasha Dobson has long been the featured vocalist with the Chris Byars Octet. Her vocal talent manifested itself early; growth has been in the area of stage presence and authoritative delivery of her songs. Her just-released CD, Songs for My Father, was recorded in 2001, prior to her father's untimely death in an automobile accident. Smith Dobson, Jr. was a highly respected jazz pianist in the Bay area, and was Sasha's teacher and mentor. He performs on most songs in this CD, doing vibes, tenor sax and drums.

Sasha, even at this early date, displays a command of her idiom that is extraordinary. An easy, lyrical singing style is mixed with a display of scat singing that showcases her voice as an instrument among other instruments. A Duke Ellington ballad, "Don't You Know I Care", allows her to show a quiet center that makes her tonal pyrotechnics in other songs such as "Green Dolphin Street" and "I'm Beginning to See the Light"all the more startling. Songs for my Father is an album worth having. Even better is hearing today's more mature Sasha Dobson perform Chris Byars arrangements live.

Upcoming engagements for the octet and its members include: 11/1 - The Chris Byars Octet, at Swing46; 12/7 - Jazz Brunch, at Harvest on Hudson, Hastings NY.