Oh...if these sessions could have only been issued in separate long forms with the bands that are included.
Nica's Tempo comprises six tracks with
Gigi Gryce's groundbreaking big band, and another four ostensibly as a member of the
Thelonious Monk quartet, all from 1955. Each band showcases the estimable compositional and arranging genius of
Gryce, as well as his unique sound on the alto saxophone. In this CD format, the music serves a purpose in displaying
Gryce's many talents, but ultimately leaves the listener wanting more. What the orchestra tracks offer in terms of an advanced concept paired with extraordinary musicianship is indisputably brilliant. The combination of
Gryce with
Monk is unparalleled in another way, the brief but fruitful joining of jazz masters that helped both of them grow, while attaining a symbiosis that
Monk only reached briefly with
Coleman Hawkins,
Sonny Rollins,
John Coltrane, and later in extensia with
Charlie Rouse.
Gryce is perfectly situated in his element, able to not only exploit the individualism of his bandmates, but play his slightly tart alto sax in a manner that very few have ever imagined. His shining charts emphasize lower octave tones by baritone saxes, trombones, French horns, tuba, the lone trumpet of
Art Farmer, and no extra woodwinds. This larger band, averaging ten pieces, is influenced by
Duke Ellington during the fully flowered ballad "In a Meditating Mood," or traditional Irish music on the short and sweet, perfectly layered, bluesy swinger "Kerry Dance."
Dizzy Gillespie's complex bop visage is present for the nifty, sub-toned, dynamically controlled in mezzo piano, hard surfaced and simmering "Smoke Signal," with clever meter switchings from 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4, while Bill Barber's tuba lurks underneath. The opener "Speculation" reflects its title, with the composer
Horace Silver's piano solo intro nicely drawn out, merging into warm simple horn charts with off-minor flourishes -- a great jazz composition -- especially engaging considering this is an emerging
Silver at age 27.
Ernestine Anderson's
Sarah Vaughan styled dusky voice is featured in slight echoplex production on the all-time classic "Social Call" about a left behind lover still hoping for a reconnect, while her confessional balladic rendition of (You'll Always Be) "The One I Love" is as passionate as any romantic love song ever. The
Monk quartet tracks are as precious as can be, with the dynamite rhythm section of
Percy Heath and
Art Blakey really on top of it. The pianist is happy to hand the spotlight to
Gryce on selections made more famous later on by
Herbie Nichols or the
Steve Lacy and
Roswell Rudd bands. He's comfortably animated during "Shuffle Boil" cutting loose with flurries of notes, using staccato and staggered phrases for "Brake's Sake," and traverses the treacherous, slippery melody of "Gallop's Gallop" as if it had no degree of difficulty.
Gryce's
Nica's Tempo concludes in off-minor and obtuse angles as
Monk liked it, with
Heath and
Blakey swinging expertly as only they could. These performances are nothing short of flawless, and though one might wish for additional tracks or outtakes, this album remains highly recommended with no reservation, and one for the ages. ~ Michael G. Nastos