Music
The best kept secret in music
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From the opening track, ‘Dancing On The Wall’ he literally soars through his compositions with dazzling dexterity ably abetted by the company of light-fingered pianist James Mylenbush and Mark Harris’ elastically propulsive bass. Mason also manages to write memorable themes which he and his comrades explore with invention and subtlety. Mason takes off on some stellar improvisations.
The cd ends with another breath of fresh air, aptly titled, ‘A Vision Of April’ in which the violin and piano tease every spring-like nuance out of the yearningly romantic melody. It is more than a fitting way to end a recording that is full of highlights and one that I will no doubt be playing to destruction.
Paul Donnelly
ejazznews.com
- ejazznews.com
Recorded in one late night, four hour session in 1993, violinist George Mason’s Life Colors is only now seeing the light of day. And that’s a good thing, because Mason is a solid player with one foot planted in the traditions of mainstream jazz, while the other is in a more contemporary form.
Aside from Mason’s infectious playing, the other surprise of the recording is bassist Mark Harris, a solid accompanist who can also drive a tune, as he does in the funky title track, which moves the album into a more contemporary vein.
Positive, upbeat and well-played, Life Colors is a recording that shows the versatility of its leader, and also introduces Mark Harris as a bassist to watch; hopefully another ten years will not have to pass before Mason releases another recording.
Reviewed by John Kelman
- ejazznews.com
Discography
George Mason & Friends - Life Colors
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
George's influences are vast, but to drop a few names, how about: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Herb Ellis & Joe Pass.
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