Voyager

Travel Notes by Marc S. Taras Say, 'Oh, man!' somebody! Rick Roe is back on the block, and he is getting busy. This new recording, 'Voyager,' is the third release in the last year for his Unknown Records label. In the wake of the wonderful 'Swing Theory,' and the two-CD, career-spanning collection 'Originals,' this new date is the most exciting trip yet from a restlessly creative player. The music found herein is by turns muscular and rhapsodic, and always swinging. The world-class rhythm mates from the 'Swing Theory' sessions are back, too. Stellar bassist Robert Hurst and the endlessly inventive drummer Karriem Riggins bring terrific sympathetic attention to musical detail and near-mystical telepathy with the album's nominal leader. They really function as a unit here, folks. It's not simply about the destination, either: it's about savoring the many surprises that the journey brings. Allow me to take a few moments to reflect upon the exquisite sonic scenery while you press 'play' and enjoy the ride... The album opens with a powerful recreation of the Jerome Kern standard 'All The Things You Are.' Rick recently shared a memory with me from when he was just a tyke. His father, who was a professional opera singer, sat young Rick at the piano and broke down the changes of this great tune. Rick's years of consideration pay off here with a typically strong left- hand-driven arrangement. A perfect opener! 'Where Is Love' comes from the Lionel Bart musical 'Oliver.' This is another piece with which Rick has personal connection from his youth. The delicacy of his touch as well as his romantic spirit is always evident on pretty mid-tempo lovelies such as this. Check out the extended extrapolation before the head. Enjoy the beautiful hush-hush vibrations from Bob and Karriem. 'Winged' is a gorgeous flight of fancy from Rick. The trio is airborne. Bob pushes gently here, and Riggins' cymbal work is marvelous. The title track, 'Voyager,' is my hit pick from this amazing session. The title implications include NASA's deep space probe, Herbie Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage,' and Rick's fascination with astronomy as well as his own musical travels. Cool and mysterious. Another example of Rick's sneaky left hand lines creating an alternate hook. The band is craftily charting hitherto unknown space. You go, guys! The extended centerpiece of the album is a canny three-way medley of 'I'll Take Romance,' Coltrane's 'Countdown,' and 'I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face.' Bob and Karriem create a remarkable rhythmic flow that pulls the listener with congenial insistence. All three mates swing from the opening statements through a variety of permutations. Nice break for Bob and Karriem towards the end. This one grows more startling and amazing with each successive listening. 'Blinker' is perhaps the most playful tune here. Hear the strong shuffling from Riggins on the head. Bonus points if you can identify the standard upon which it is based. Hint: the title offers an encrypted clue! Michel Legrand's lovely track 'The Summer Knows' is given a sexy and supple Roe arrangement. Again that smart, left-hand descending line creates a whole new hook! Hurst and Riggins bring da funk, oh yes they do! More themes of space exploration and communication are in evidence with the trio's treatment of Coltrane's 'Satellite.' A brief introduction on the drum kit and we have liftoff. Lots of give and take information here. What a great touch Rick exhibits! Bob and Karriem reach escape velocity with deceptive ease. Rick's romantic nature shines, sweetly swinging on 'Sweet Lorraine.' Karriem and Bob press some soulful business here. Dig the ensemble rhythm breaks before the fade! The final piece, 'Reprise' offers an alternate interpolation from Rick on 'Where Is Love.' It's a perfect coda to a lovely bit of acoustic travelling. The answer to Lionel Bart's musical question is evident. Love is where you find it, eh? These three brilliant musicians share a deep love and respect for one another, and of course, the music. You, Beloved Listener, will find lots to love here.