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| Mark Sweetman drums
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| INSPIRED Mark Sweetman Quartet Mark Sweetman drums Produced by Mark Sweetman (c) 1997 Markmuse |
 markmuse records |
REVIEW:
The Trane Legacy gets an indirect
tribute on Inspired, a disc that is most aptly named. Inspired has heavy echoes of the
classic Coltrane Quartet, as filtered through such later developments as keith Jarrett's
American and European quartets, Billy Harper's various groups, and Dave Leibman's Lookout
Farm band. Yes, Ralph Bowen may remind you of Trane, and Dan Kleinman has traces of Tyner,
but this is not faceless cloning. This is powerful, sometimes exhilarating music,
performed by a group with an almost palpable sense of purpose. Like Sweetman's striking
Scottish landscape photos that adorn the booklet, light and shadow are balanced
beautifully; common-place shapes resonate with an air of mystery. Bowen's big tone is
positioned in the mix like a watchtower that draws the other intruments around it; fans of
passionate tenor in the vein of Trane, Barbieri, and Perelman will find much to enjoy in
his playing here. Kleinman, who's done time with Ernie Watts and Mike Stern, draws on
influences as diverse as Keith/Herbie/Bill, as well as Cecil Taylor and, lest my ears
deceive me, George Winston. He lends a mellifluous lyricism to the leader's sharplywritten
tunes, most of which are in the eight to twelve-minute range; all of them easilyjustify
their lengths. Mike Boone, a bassist who has worked with Buddy Rich and Joe Henderson,
listens closely and knits his mates into a tight elaborate weave. Sweetman's drumming is
marked by a great feel for dynamics, plus a willingness to hang back and listen, as well
as explode. lf compelling, emotionally-direct music in the tradition of those mentioned
above appeals to you, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
Larry Nai / Cadence Magazine / Jazziz Magazine
This review is to be seen in Cadence Jazz magazine and Jazziz Magazine.
The Mark Sweetman Quartet is now
distributed by
North Country Distributors, World Wide.
'The music has a style of it's own, open ended leaving the soloists room to improvise the way jazz is meant to be played, each piece has its own life. lf comparing it, one could say it is reflective of the Coltrane Impressions period along with Keith Jarrett influences'.
"This is Powerful, exilarating
music. "
Larry Nai/Cadence Magazine. /Jazziz Magazine
"Enjoyed the feeling-it is
spiritual in vibe and heart-felt."
Dave Liebman
"Compelling ... highly
recommended."
"You owe it to yourself to check this one out."
The Lineup feature:
*Mark Sweetman on drums. Formally of Toronto, Canada, somewhat of
a legend in the Toronto Jazz scene. Mark has played with some of the best. With a unique
style, energetic and heart felt, he merges modal and avant-guard styles'.
*Mr. Ralph Bowen, another Canadian on Tenor and Soprano sax. Considered
to be one of the premier players in the world. Ralph has recorded with Blue Note Records,
Michel Camilo and many others.
*Dan Kleinman on keyboards, has played with the likes of Ernie Watts,
Mike Stern among others. Dan has also opened for McCoy Tyner.
*Mike Boone on Acoustic bass, has worked with some of the greatest
including the Buddy Rich orchestra Clark Terry and Joe Henderson to name a few.
E-Mail: markmuse@aol.com
MarkmuseRecords
422 Penn Rd
Wynnewood PA 19096
Phone 610-642-7693