Two Shades of Nude

Album Review

Trombonist Doug Beavers delivers a mix of tasty originals and potent arrangements of familiar jazz works in his second Origin release. Rich horn charts and robust solos highlight his interpretation of Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bedtime Story," with the use of electric piano and electric bass lightening the sound just a bit. He reharmonized Clare Fischer's Latin gem "Pensativa," putting much of the emphasis on the rich ensemble sections, though trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaass deliver sterling solos. McCoy Tyner's "Blues on the Corner" hasn't been recorded very frequently, but Beavers' spirited reworking stretches its boundaries, showcasing brilliant solos by Sipiagin, and leader and bassist Boris Koslov. Beavers' compositions are also memorable. "Two Shades of Nude" blends a simple four-note theme with a brisk post-bop undercurrent, featuring a driving piano solo by Henry Hey. There's no mistaking the gloomy, troubled mood of "Brink," an emotional piece that builds into an intense midsection before quietly returning to its initial brooding setting. Highly recommended.