CHRISTIAN HOWES
Jazz On Sale (Khaeon)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Christian Howes' stated goal is to "go beyond what people think the violin can do," and his usual vehicle for achieving that aim has drawn attention as "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin." This time out, though, he lays aside the electric instrument in favor of an acoustic violin and baritone violin, leading an acoustic trio (including Spanish bassist Pablo Martin and Argentine pianist Fredrico Lechner) through a set that mixes songs from the jazz canon with originals (by both Howes and Lechner) that fit comfortably within the form. It's a consistently impressive outing, with stellar performances from all three musicians, and establishes Howes as a player whose pure talent transcends any of the musical pyrotechnics that have given him notoriety.

A classical prodigy, Howes was performing with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at 16, and that classical training serves him well in the context of the music presented here. He demonstrates a facility with his instrument that allows a dramatic range of emotional shading, from his playful improvisations on the opening version of Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk" to the almost spiritual sensuality of his work on Miles Davis' "Blue In Green." On every track, Howes reveals something unexpected in the music and, in the process, something affecting about himself.

Christian Howes is expanding the language of jazz violin, and there's no better demonstration than the musical conversation contained on Jazz On Sale.

Track List:

Blue Monk Part 1 * Amor Casi Imposible * A Child Is Born * Blue In Green * When She's Like Water * Jazz On Sale * Very Early * Falling Grace * Blue Monk Part 2

© 2003 - Shaun Dale