Album Review: Laid Back Vol. 2 from Rich Willey

 

Artist:  Rich Willey
Album:  Laid Back Vol. 2
Release Date:  January 11, 2027
Website: www.boptism.com/store

At the foundation of composer-trumpeter-bandleader Rich Willey's forthcoming release Laid Back Vol. 2  is his objective to "make jazz that is tuneful, enjoyable, joyous, and danceable," according to the press release, which Willey achieves exceedingly.   Featuring arrangements by Wally Minko, the recording is comprised of eight original compositions by Rich Willey.

Willey's symbiotic exchanges with trumpet player-performer John Swana, who plays the EVI (electronic valve instrument) on the program is accentuated by trombonist Steve Duncan, trumpet player Carey Deadman, flutist and saxophonist Jim Gailloreto, tenor saxophonist Geof Bradfield, pianist and organist Paul Mutzabaugh, bassist Chuck Webb, guitarist Felton Offard, drummer Charles Heath, and percussionists Jean-Christof Leroy, Rohan Marr, and Rich Trelease.  Willey weighs rhythmic grooves equally with melodic verses to achieve cohesion, impressing on the listener to hold both in equal esteem.

Enshrouded in well-defined motifs, chiseled progressions, and serenely filled ambiences, the album traverses through a straight-ahead jazz parlance displayed in "Road of Happy Destiny," glistening torchlight embers encircling "Precious Love," and a funky rumba strumming (aka booglaloo) along "Koo Koo Booglaloo."  The smooth jazz texture of the trumpet produces a creamy froth across "Yessiree Bop," as Gailloreto's flute regales the listener with a panoply of wiggly patterns.   The album closes with the spicy salsa-driven rhythm of "Danza Maritima," whittled by the brisk thrust of Rohan Marr's percussion.

Partnering brassy timbres with the airy flutter of the woodwinds, the serene-soaked riffs of the guitar, and the buoyant pulse of the keys, Willey explores varied combinations to achieve tuneful, joyous and danceable music.  Though each track displays a different perspective on the overall theme, Willey succeeds in making the recording cohesive, balancing melodic structure with improvised musings and harmonious rhythmic activity.

Musicians:
Rich Willey - trumpet, composer, and bandleader
John Swana - Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI)
Steve Duncan - trombone
Wally Minko - arrangements
Rich Willey — trumpe and; tuba
John Swana — Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI)
Carey Deadman — trumpet
Jim Gailloreto — flute, soprano saxophone, and alto saxophone
Geof Bradfield — tenor saxophone
Steve Duncan — trombone, and bass trombone
Paul Mutzabaugh — piano, keyboards, and B3 organ
Chuck Webb — electric bass and upright bass
Felton Offard — electric guitar and acoustic guitar
Charles Heath — drums
Jean-Christof Leroy — percussion
Rohan Marr — percussion
Rich Trelease — percussion