by Lance
CD Review: Larry Corban – The Circle Starts Here.
Larry Corban (gtr); Harvie S (bs); Steve Williams (dms).
Corban has worked with many big hitters including Robert Glasper, Big John Patton, Wayne Krantz and Roy Hargrove to mention but a few. This is his debut trio recording as a leader and it’s an impressive start. This is no “Jazz Metal” thrash but a selection of meaningful originals by Corban plus one standard.
The comments below are mainly his.
Sideswiped: Dedicated to Cannonball and Lee Morgan.. Boppy and swingy and harmonically sound.
Bossa Barb: I quote. “relates to those gorgeous women you dream about.” (I played this track twice and it worked!) Enjoy the Ride: Goes off at tempo de lick and rubber stamps the guitarists technique.
Seventh Dimension: In 7/8 time. It was originally in 3/4 then it was called Third Dimension. Steel strung acoustic does the business on this one. The Second She Leaves: “I’m gonna sit down and write a book…next time”. Listen to Harvie S’ bowed bass. On The Sly: Is another 7/8 workout that was morphed from a 4/4 version called On The Fly. Blink of an Eye: In 5/4, a description of a short-lived relationship. (If you say so Larry! Personally I think it’s a terrific track irrespective of the background.) 3 Hours Late: A ballad that was written whilst waiting for a lady – at least I got a tune out of it he says. (I’d want more than a tune!)
Roll The Dice: Refers to online dating – “You never know what you’ll get.” Story Inside My Head: Countdown changes in 5/4 with a new melody. Dream Wheel: Written overlooking a ski slope in Steamboat Springs, Co. Wolf’s Den: named after a friends club in the above resort Hmmm: Unaccompanied fingerstyle ballad. East of the Sun: Listen to Williams’ brushwork. Maybe I cheated on this one by quoting mainly from the booklet but I couldn’t top them!
One for guitar buffs and music lovers.
Larry Corban – The Circle Starts Here. was released in June on Nabroc Records.
