“Convergence – Reckless Meter: Six Masters of Modern Jazz Playing as One”

 

This month's review is on a new CD released by the modern jazz ensemble Convergence, and it's a winner! Convergence has been entertaining jazz fans in Colorado for more than 30 years. If you’ve never heard this band play before, you are in for a real treat.

This band features six very seasoned, highly professional musicians who, in addition to being top-level players, are also outstanding jazz composers. They write modern jazz songs that are beautiful and easily accessible even to the novice jazz listener. There is a strong sense of melody and structure in their writing, but plenty of room for creative exploration and improvisation.

My first impression when I played the songs on this CD was that this group of six musicians performs like they are all from the same family. The musical communication between them is effortless. Even though Convergence takes a fearless approach to improvisation, they remain tightly connected in the music they create. That level of cohesion only comes from years of playing together and trusting one another musically.

Pianist Eric Gunnison sums up the spirit of the group perfectly: "This band has always been about connection, with each other, with the audience, and with the music itself. Convergence is more than a name; it's how we approach everything we do musically."

And you can hear that connection throughout "Reckless Meter". The band blends sophisticated writing with energetic solo work and the kind of ensemble precision that only comes from decades of shared experience.

I have attached two cuts from "Reckless Meter". The first song, “Big Boot,” is also the opening track on the album. It's upbeat, with sassy horns and killer solos. The rhythm section locks in immediately, while the horn section delivers the melody with punch and personality. It's the perfect introduction to get to know this outstanding band.

The second song I picked is the final track on the playlist and the title tune, “Reckless Meter.” This piece combines everything that is musically cool about Convergence into a single performance. The arrangement moves through shifting rhythmic ideas while the band maintains that tight ensemble sound that defines their music. It's a strong closing statement and leaves you wanting to go back and hear the entire album again.

For listeners who enjoy modern jazz that balances creativity with strong melodic ideas and masterful musicianship, "Reckless Meter" is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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Playlist

1. Big Boot – 6:19

2. Springaling – 8:00

3. Margaret Clara – 6:17

4. It’s One Or Not One – 6:14

5. Master Jake – 6:38

6. Cauldron – 10:59

7. Coyote Moon – 6:48

8. Reckless Meter – 9:21

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Personnel

• Eric Gunnison – piano

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet, flugelhorn

• John Gunther – saxophones

• Mark Patterson – trombone

• Mark Simon – bass

• Paul Romaine – drums

                                                                            "Big Boot"

                                                                    "Reckless Meter"

CD Review:

 

Guitarist and composer Jose Guzman and The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective have recently released their new CD, "Cortadito". This recording reflects Guzman’s rich musical heritage, combining the rhythms of Puerto Rico with the flavor and sophistication of modern jazz. The result is a vibrant and engaging album that highlights both the depth of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions and the creativity of contemporary jazz musicians.

If you are new to Afro-Caribbean jazz, this CD will serve you well as a primer on the subject. The rhythms are infectious and the arrangements are loaded with beautiful percussion and strong horn writing that immediately grab the listener’s attention. From the first track, it becomes clear that rhythm is the engine driving this music, and the band locks into grooves that are both exciting and musically sophisticated.

Guzman proves himself to be a versatile guitarist and composer throughout the album. I was particularly captured by the way he combines memorable melodies with Afro-Caribbean rhythmic structures, blending them seamlessly into a sound that feels both traditional and fresh. His guitar work sits comfortably within the ensemble, guiding the music while still allowing plenty of room for the horns and percussion to shine.

Another strength of "Cortadito" is the outstanding group of musicians Guzman has assembled. The supporting performers on this project are highly skilled professionals who understand this music deeply. The horn section delivers energetic and expressive solos while the percussion team creates a powerful rhythmic foundation that keeps the music moving forward with energy and color.

This CD also helps explain why Afro-Caribbean jazz has been gaining popularity with serious contemporary jazz fans in recent years. The combination of driving rhythms, strong melodies, and improvisational freedom creates music that is both intellectually satisfying and simply fun to listen to.

Everything about this recording has been done well—from the compositions and arrangements to the performances and production. It is a polished and highly enjoyable project.

You should definitely consider adding "Cortadito" to your jazz collection. I am sure you will find yourself playing it often. While I am by no means an expert in Afro-Caribbean jazz, I do know beautiful music when I hear it, and every song on this album is a winner.  I have attached two songs both written by Jose Guzman for your listening pleasure.  The first is "A Sunday Kind Of Day" played as a slow cha-cha..  The second song is "Orchard Downs" is an up-tempo tune that is named after the apartment complex that Guzman lived in during his time in Puerto Rico.

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Playlist

1. Orchard Downs

2. Holande Pa Uste

3. A Sunday Kind of Day

4. El Reloj

5. Witches Dance

6. Terminal 5

7. El Volcan

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Personnel

• Jose Guzman – guitar, compositions

• Victor Garcia – trumpet

• Brian Stark – tenor saxophone

• Ben Carrasquillo – trombone

• Andrey Goncalvez – bass

Percussion

• Javier Quintana – congas, barril

• Victor Gonzalez – bongos, bell

• Michael Rodriguez – timbales

• Jose Natal – barril

Additional Musicians

• Enrique Chavez – auxiliary percussion (on “Witches Dance”)

• Connor Frederick – trombone (on “Witches Dance”

                                                                    "A Sunday Kind Of Day"

                                                                         "Orchard Downs"