On what would be the last leg of a 10 day tour, a modern jazz
quintet named “Gray Matter” made a two day stop to Toronto to perform their
genre-bending, forward thinking jazz to a very enthusiastic audience. What is even more special is that throughout
this tour they are promoting a brand new CD of original compositions that is a
pot-pourri of funk, hip hop, and modern jazz that gives the band a unique
identity of its own.
The “Gray” in this band is named after drummer Derek Gray and
bassist Justin Gray, brothers and fine musicians who compose, perform, and
provide rhythmic support for the ensemble.
Rounding out the quintet is pianist Todd Pentney, Vancouver saxophonist
Eli Bennett and New York-based trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. Through this potent lineup, they really
cooked up some engaging music that points to the future of jazz and beyond
while staying grounded in the fundamentals of groove, rhythm, and
improvisation.
The first set opened with a medley of songs, “Footprints” and “Today
is the Day”. Footprints is an
intriguing number which shifted between 4/4 and 7/4 time while keeping a steady
funky beat throughout the piece. Todd
in this opening melody shows his funky and groovy side in his solo passage on
the electronic Hammond B3 organ while the groove is supplied strongly by the
Gray brothers during the solo passage.
Ingrid’s solo on the trumpet brings a high energy that echoes the later
works of Freddie Hubbard at times.
After a moving piano interlude by Todd, the ensemble breaks into “Today
is the Day” which slows down in pace but picks up in intensity and groove when
Eli solos to the point of achieving “sheets of sound”.
“One By One” delves into the ambient/trance vibe through Derek’s
rhythmic setup on the drums, leading into Justin’s solo that has a horn-like
sensibility applied to the electric bass.
Eli’s saxophone playing becomes more intense and electrifying, in lieu
of the intense groove applied through Derek’s drums, Justin’s bass, and Todd’s
accompaniment on the electric organ.
On what would be the somber moments of the evening, there were two
compositions in the set that were dedicated to the memory of beloved Canadian
politician Jack Layton, both written by Derek along with lyrics by special
guest singer Jillian Harris. In the
first piece “For J.L.”, the rhythm section provides a free flowing introduction
that is dreamlike, futuristic, and heavenly at the same time. The heavenly motif is applied throughout by
Jillian’s vocal, which is angelic, soothing and peaceful to listen to while celebrating
the life of a respected Canadian.
Todd’s piano solo is a very moving solo that breathes in life and hope
into the memorable piece. On
“Eulogy”, the piece opens with a sample of the sermon given at Jack Layton’s
funeral by the Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes (senior pastor of the Metropolitan
Community Church of Toronto) , before the emotional lyrical delivery is
executed by Jillian with her memorable lyrics. Throughout the performance there was a
gospel hymn quality that made you feel at church, while taking the time to
remember and celebrate a man who impacted the lives of many. To make it extra special, Jack Layton’s
widow Olivia Chow and the Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes was in attendance on the
opening night of the Toronto leg of the tour to witness these wonderful
creations in person.
To cap off the set, the composition “Wake Up” started off with a
energetic, rhythmic, and swinging solo by Derek Gray, before shifting into
Latin and bebop figures by the band in its opening passages. Ingrid’s trumpet solo becomes highly
energetic and soars mightily through the changes, and Eli’s saxophone solo
navigates the shifts effectively from Latin rhythms into straight-ahead
bebop. Before closing the number on an
energetic note, there is a cool unison passage by the horn players before
taking it to a close.
From what I heard on opening night, “Gray Matter” is a cutting edge
band to look out for in the months and years to come. Through their incorporation of funk,
hip-hop, electronica rhythms and jazz, it is bound to win new audiences with
its collective sounds, rhythms and compositions.
OFFICIAL GRAY MATTER WEB SITE:
Front Row: Derek and Justin Gray
Back Row: Eli Bennett, Todd Pentney, Ingrid Jensen
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