Jacam Manricks is one of many Young Lions who emerged on the jazz scene in the opening decade of the 21st century. This young jazz educator has played with
the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra,
David Liebman,
Bob Mintzer, James Morrison, and
Dick Oatts, among others.
Trigonometry is his second CD, following his self-issued 2009 debut Labyrinth, though he uses a different backing band, including pianist
Gary Versace, trombonist
Alan Ferber, trumpeter
Scott Wendholt, bassist
Joe Martin, and drummer Obed Calvaire. All but one of the ten tracks are originals, though
Manricks has a gift for writing compositions that leave lasting impressions. His somewhat dark "Mood Swing" incorporates overdubbed alto and tenor saxes, with
Versace's brooding solo as the centerpiece. The whimsical "Cluster Funk" also utilizes alto in lead with a tenor providing harmony, adding trumpet and trombone for color. "Slippery" keeps twisting away from the expected path, with
Manricks' alto engaging in a bit of
Eric Dolphy-like dissonance. He salutes
Dolphy by interpreting the late multi-reed player's rarely performed "Miss Ann," though omitting the piano, relying on bass and drums alone. He also records new versions of two songs that appeared on his debut CD. "Labyrinth" begins as a free jazz alto solo, with the rhythm section making a delayed entrance, adding a mysterious air. "Micro Gravity" also has a brooding atmosphere, suggesting someone alone mulling a problem in despair. Throughout the session
Manricks demonstrates that he is well on his way to developing a personal sound on alto, while
Versace's support on piano meshes well with the leader.
Jacam Manricks is proof that the old saying "Those who can't, teach" does not apply to jazz educators. ~ Ken Dryden