New Reviews for Interview Music + Bonus Track
Interview Music, the new album from my Quintet+1, is officially out there, and some very gratifying reviews have been coming in.First, from Doug Ramsey at the great music blog Rifftides:
In the articulate liner notes for his fifth album, Carey explains that he writes music not to label it “about something” in order to snag foundation grants, but to employ what he’s learned and make it work for him and his players. Interview Music does that. Even better, it works for the listener. ... His sextet plays the five-part suite with drive, wit, swing and a palpable unity of purpose. It is complex chamber music with solo space for Carey, long an impressive trumpeter; bass clarinetist Sheldon Brown; alto saxophonist Kasey Knudsen; pianist Adam Shulman; bassist Fred Randolph; and drummer Jon Arkin. They are among the cream of the Bay Area’s jazz community. In a victory for his creative policy, the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music supported Interview Music with a grant despite its not being “about something,” which, of course, it is. It’s about music.
From The Jazz Page:
[Carey] has returned with an ambitious new recording that succeeds in its effort. Interview Music is a fantastic suite that sees some of Carey’s most adventurous writing matched with truly outstanding performances. ... While the production is one of some range, it is accessible, even as weaves and winds its way forward. ... Carey’s writing affords each of his fellow players many moments to exhibit their depth of talent, and in the process, allows the entire project to shine.
And a listener left this very thoughtful review on the album's iTunes page:
Very inspiring to hear this kind of sophisticated composition and playing coming out of the Bay Area. As an ex professional trumpet player who grew up in Bay Area and studied and played in NYC, this is really the first time I've encountered such a high degree of post-bop compositional creativity and craft come out of the Bay Area with the exception of Joe Henderson of course. Also very fine playing all-around, with a special shout out to Ian who is obviously a really accomplished trumpeter and improviser.
The album also got mentions from Marc Myers' Jazzwax ("this abstract original suite for quintet led by trumpeter Carey has classical overtones") and Tom Hull ("a sprawling suite with four parts and an interlude, a fine example of postbop composition and arrangement"). It's great to know people are giving it a listen, 15-minute tracks and all!Finally, here's another sample track from the album, the interlude and first half of the fourth movement. If you'd like to hear more, please pick up a copy for yourself![embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F343FNgYzBw[/embed]