| The hard-driving and adventurous Grismore/Scea Group mixes swinging free-bop, electric guitar, acoustic bass, trumpet, full-bodied flute and a creative array of percussion sounds. The result is both ethereal and earthy, gutsy and intellectual. Different tracks may remind listeners of the Ornette Coleman/Pat Metheny collabortion, electric Miles Davis, and more recent hard-edged electric jazz recorded in a natural-sounding acoustic style. Guitarist Steve Grismore and reedman Paul Scea have a depth of skill and experience which erases the lines between genres. Grismore lives in Iowa City, Scea in West Virginia, but even off the beaten jazz path both have become formidable and busy players and composers. Their second recording reassembles a cast of East Coasters who are making their own marks as sidemen and leaders:
Trumpeter Tim Hagans, leader for Blue Note and sideman with Joe Lovano, Bob Elden, Maria Schnieder and others; bassist John Turner, one of the rocks of the Boston scene, a long-time member of the Charlie Kohlhase Quintet, the Either/Orchestra and the trio Shock Exchange; drummer Matt Wilson is one of the rising stars in jazz, as a sideman with Lee Konitz, Dewey Redman and Cecil McBee, and having released two acclaimed albums under his own name.
"Of What" provides a wide-open and ideal format for all of all of the musicians to shine, and shine they do! This recording will appeal to jazz fans who want something non-cliched, fresh and accessible. |