BILLY BANG
Big Bang Theory (Justin Time)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Violinist Billy Bang covers all kinds of stylistic ground on this release, from the solid swing of the opening number, Khalil El'Zabar's "Contrary Motion," to the blues-tinged avant-garde of the title track. In fact, one tune, "At Play In The Fields Of The Lord," seems to cover all the ground by itself. A shadow of fusion is sometimes just beneath the surface, but it's intelligent fusion devoid of the cliches that have given that genre a bad name. Bang's experimental nature, developed during his many years with the outstanding String Trio Of New York, doesn't allow him to wallow in anything long enough for it to become stale.

The product of the above ingredients is an extremely listenable and interesting jazz album that holds your attention for the duration, challenging your imagination and rewarding you for the effort. Alexis T. Pope's piano paints a rich landscape for Bang's often edgy, always creative solos. The battery of Curtis Lundy (bass) and Codaryl Moffett (drums) couldn't be better suited to the music on Big Bang Theory. Tasteful cymbal work and subtle bass bends punctuate the quietest tune, "Silent Observation," a beautiful original in which Bang creates some of his most intriguing, cerebral sounds. Moffett shows his considerable chops during his solo in "Sweet Irene," setting off little explosions a la DeJohnette.

On the very next track, Bang and company perform a quaint, straight-ahead version of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" that may seem out of place amid all the adventure of the other tracks. Whether you see it as an oddity or just one corner of this exquisite jazz quilt is up to you. There are plenty of pieces to this one. The often misused tag "something for everyone" definitely fits nicely with the Big Bang Theory.

Track List:

Contrary Motion * At Play In The Fields Of The Lord * Big Bang Theory * Theme For Taraby * Silent Observation * One For Jazz (with Dennis Charles) * Sweet Irene * Swing Low Sweet Chariot * Saved By The Bell * Little Sunflower

© 2000 - DJ Johnson