Normally, if I were to write that the songs on a particular album have a repetitive quality to them, that would not be a compliment. But repetition is a central positive ingredient in the compositional style of Randy Klein, and his new album, “What’s Next,” is engaging from start to finish. From Bach-like variations, repeated phrases you might hear in serial music, all the way to pop hooks, Klein’s tunes grab you and won’t let go.
Klein is actually no stranger to pop music. He’s written songs for prominent R&B artists like Millie Jackson, Candy Staton, Sarah Dash and even rapper Lil’ Kim, and among his numerous career credits are tunes for Sesame Street. But “What’s Next” is the latest of his 10 jazz albums and the second in his “Two Duos” series. The premise is simple; chose two accomplished musicians with distinctive sounds and record half an album with each.
“What’s Next” features duets with guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Boris Kozlov. Skolnick is the former heavy metal guitarist (for Testament) turned jazz improviser. His vibrant guitar style is the perfect complement to Klein’s spritely playing. Kozlov is a highly melodic, six-string electric bass player whose bass sometimes enters hybrid guitar territory.
Although the majority of the tunes are up-tempo, there is also a more subtle and gorgeous side of Klein’s writing. One of the most beautiful examples is his (and Skolnick’s) treatment of “In The Twilight Hours.” The bottom line: when Klein and his two collaborators use their considerable skills on his excellent tunes the results are magical.
Latest in Music Reviews
-
-
CD Review: The Jay D’Amico Quintet “Tango Caliente”
“Tango Caliente,” the new album by The Jay D’Amico Quintet, is so good it may make you wonder why D’Amico is not better known. Over his four decade career he’s collaborated extensively with bassist Milt Hinton, and from 1984 to the night before 9/11, D’Amico was pianist in residence at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center.
- May 8, 2013
-
-
CD Review: Pascal Le Boeuf “Pascal’s Triangle”
Pianist Pascal Le Boeuf is a 21st century renaissance man. He’s made inroads in the worlds of classical music, indie-rock, and jazz. With his identical twin brother Remy, he’s won top awards in various international songwriting competitions. “Pascal’s Triangle” finds Le Boeuf in a jazz trio setting with excellent partners Linda Oh on bass and Justin Brown on drums.
- May 8, 2013
-
-
CD Review: Homiside "Back For More"
It’s a singles market these days, so when an album gets released it feels like a big deal. “Back For More” is a debut album from Rochester based rapper Mike Parlayan, aka Homiside.
- Apr 23, 2013
- More »
More by Ron Netsky
-
-
MUSIC PREVIEW: International Society of Bassists Convention
Swing low
- May 29, 2013
-
-
WORLD | Sultans of String CD Release
- Apr 10, 2013
- More »
Latest in Music Reviews
-
-
CD Review: The Jay D’Amico Quintet “Tango Caliente”
“Tango Caliente,” the new album by The Jay D’Amico Quintet, is so good it may make you wonder why D’Amico is not better known. Over his four decade career he’s collaborated extensively with bassist Milt Hinton, and from 1984 to the night before 9/11, D’Amico was pianist in residence at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center.
- May 8, 2013
-
-
CD Review: Pascal Le Boeuf “Pascal’s Triangle”
Pianist Pascal Le Boeuf is a 21st century renaissance man. He’s made inroads in the worlds of classical music, indie-rock, and jazz. With his identical twin brother Remy, he’s won top awards in various international songwriting competitions. “Pascal’s Triangle” finds Le Boeuf in a jazz trio setting with excellent partners Linda Oh on bass and Justin Brown on drums.
- May 8, 2013
-
-
CD Review: Homiside "Back For More"
It’s a singles market these days, so when an album gets released it feels like a big deal. “Back For More” is a debut album from Rochester based rapper Mike Parlayan, aka Homiside.
- Apr 23, 2013
- More »
More by Ron Netsky
-
-
CD Review: Myriad3 “Tell”
- Apr 10, 2013
-
-
INTERVIEW: Anat Cohen
- Jun 12, 2013
- More »
