Album Review: Battle Lines from Steve Fidyk
Album: Battle Lines
Artist: Steve Fidyk
Label: Blue Canteen
Website: https://www.bluecanteenmusic.com
Battle Lines, the forthcoming release led by drummer Steve Fidyk is a reflection of the music that has been in his life as an avid fan of various styles of jazz and as a participating musician and composer to the craft. His musical experiences have spanned from being a featured soloist with the Army Blues Big Band based in Washington, DC to performing in small groups led by tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and guitarist Jack Wilkins, and more recently performing with the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia led by trumpeter Terell Stafford. For Battle Lines, Fidyk is supported by Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Xavier Perez on tenor saxophone, Peter Zak on piano, and Michael Karn on bass. Their effort unites several decades of jazz music, bringing familiar traditions into the 21st century.
The quintet's interpretation of Eddie Harris' bebop score "Ignominy" is rooted in smoky blues traditions with the members improvising over the main theme. Fun and free, the frilly toots of the horns give the track a brisk vigor. Keeping the straight-ahead jazz fire burning, the title track is anchored by Fidyk's bopping drumbeats as pianist Peter Zak shines with exhilarating twinkles on the keys that switch to a smooth groove along "Loopholes" as the horns join in with cruising revelry. Thus far, the music exudes a party atmosphere that changes to a moonlit glow in the quintet's re-imagination of David Brubeck's signature composition "Thank You" (Dziekuje). A Chopin-inspired piece, the band's treatment of the track highlights the sensual curves made by the horns.
"Bebop Operations" is a swinging number with Fidyk's syncopated beats holding the improvisations on the horns steady. The track has a '50s sock hop bounce that travels into a swath of bluesy licks on the horns nestled along "Bootlickers Blues." The ballad "Lullaby for Lori and John" is an original score written by Fidyk and is dedicated to his parents. The soft wail of Joe Magnarelli's flugelhorn emotes a lamenting feel that personalizes the music, giving the recording greater depth. The band's rendition of Charlie Parker's gem "Steeplechase" pays homage to the dynamic saxophonist with a spirited arrangement. They close with the cool swing romper "Sir John," demonstrating their charming simpatico and keen sense of bop-inspired improvisations.
Fidyk's release is dominant in uplifting sensations with his lullaby being the crowning jewel in the repertoire. Both dynamic and steady, the compositions cull the familiar sounds of generations gone by with a modern age of jazz.
Musicians:
Steve Fidyk - drums
Joe Magnarelli - trumpet
Xavier Perez - tenor sax
Peter Zak - piano
Michael Karn - bass
Artist: Steve Fidyk
Label: Blue Canteen
Website: https://www.bluecanteenmusic.com
Battle Lines, the forthcoming release led by drummer Steve Fidyk is a reflection of the music that has been in his life as an avid fan of various styles of jazz and as a participating musician and composer to the craft. His musical experiences have spanned from being a featured soloist with the Army Blues Big Band based in Washington, DC to performing in small groups led by tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and guitarist Jack Wilkins, and more recently performing with the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia led by trumpeter Terell Stafford. For Battle Lines, Fidyk is supported by Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Xavier Perez on tenor saxophone, Peter Zak on piano, and Michael Karn on bass. Their effort unites several decades of jazz music, bringing familiar traditions into the 21st century.
"Bebop Operations" is a swinging number with Fidyk's syncopated beats holding the improvisations on the horns steady. The track has a '50s sock hop bounce that travels into a swath of bluesy licks on the horns nestled along "Bootlickers Blues." The ballad "Lullaby for Lori and John" is an original score written by Fidyk and is dedicated to his parents. The soft wail of Joe Magnarelli's flugelhorn emotes a lamenting feel that personalizes the music, giving the recording greater depth. The band's rendition of Charlie Parker's gem "Steeplechase" pays homage to the dynamic saxophonist with a spirited arrangement. They close with the cool swing romper "Sir John," demonstrating their charming simpatico and keen sense of bop-inspired improvisations.
Fidyk's release is dominant in uplifting sensations with his lullaby being the crowning jewel in the repertoire. Both dynamic and steady, the compositions cull the familiar sounds of generations gone by with a modern age of jazz.
Musicians:
Steve Fidyk - drums
Joe Magnarelli - trumpet
Xavier Perez - tenor sax
Peter Zak - piano
Michael Karn - bass
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