On a
cool Wednesday evening, I was serenaded with the hard swinging sounds of a trio
led by a young Canadian jazz lion named Jeff Halischuk. In a program consisting of standards and
jazz classics, Mr. Halischuk and his trio manage to capture the essence of
swing, groove, and soul while at times taking the music into new directions.
The
set opens with a slower than usual take on Charles Lloyd’s “Sweet Georgia
Bright”, infusing a sense of New Orleans groove and backbeat into the piece
when breaking through into a tight swinging groove. Saxophonist Chris Gale takes a spirited solo
on his tenor sax, whereas Mark Cashion provides solid timekeeping throughout
the piece.
The
standard “I Fall in Love Too Easily” is taken in a ¾ waltz feel that brings a
certain kind of movement to an otherwise slow ballad piece. Lover is taken at breakneck speed, whereas
the mood cools down for Mal Waldron’s “Soul Eyes”, taken at a pensive,
reflective tempo.
On the
last two songs, the easy swing comes back with their light and heavenly take on
Jerome Kern’s “Nobody Else But Me”, and then the night closes with a Latin take
on Duke Ellington’s classic spiritual piece, Come Sunday.
Throughout
this performance I witnessed how complete a drummer Jeff Halischuk is at such a
young age. He’s got good rhythmic
conceptions and has the means to provide great colors for the soloists and
rhythm members in his group. Chris
Gale plays with a sense of soul and swing that is unmatched and Mark Cashion
keeps time and groove with a succinct stability. Hoping to hear more of this band in the
future, but be sure to catch this trio at the Rex while you can.
Official
REX Web Site:
http://www.therex.ca
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