Album Review: Hangin' Out from Jim Self and John Chiodini

Album:  Hangin' Out
Artists:  Jim Self and John Chiodini
Website:  https://www.bassethoundmusic.com

Fluid and ambient, the music of tuba player Jim Self partnered with guitarist John Chiodini has a traditional jazz sonorous that flows seamlessly, advancing effortlessly through the sound passages. Their newest release Hangin' Out displays the sensitive playing of Self combined with the elegant strumming and chime-like fibrillations of Chiodini's guitar strings.  Joining the pair is trumpet player and flugelhornist Ron Stout, baritone saxophonist David Angel, tenor saxophonist Tom Peterson, and trombonist Scott Whitfield.

The recording comprises of a mixture of straight-ahead jazz standards, samba romps, bossa nova ballads, and classic pop staples. Self and Chiodini each contributed one of their own original compositions with Peterson and Whitfield also contributing original material.

The uncommon union of the tuba and guitar opens the jazz panoply to vibrant innovations that affects the listener's perspective about the partnership.  The enjoyable aesthetics created by the baritone vibrations of the tuba compliment the heavenly hues of the guitar strings along the waltzing verses of "Lydian Afternoon," kneading a soothing resonance.  The soft glitter of Chiodini's guitar strings dusts lightly across Self's tooting tuba, sowing glinting craters along "Dindi," a signature bossa nova ballad by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

The duo's reimagining of the R&B/soul staple "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder is delightful.  The creamy texture and pumping palpitations of the tuba and guitar pare down the track to its funky swivels.  Moving forward, the smooth jazz ambience of "Another Thing" has the amiability of David Brubeck's fluency in the pair's conversing, instantly engaging.  "Felicidade" also has an amiable quality that brims with sheer bliss.

“Spain," a jazz samba written by Chick Corea, features Chiodini on classical guitar and Self on the fluba. The fluba, a unique instrument as a tuba-sized flugelhorn, is Self’s invention, designed by Robb Stewart who assembled it from parts.  The effect produces tender reverberations across the track that percolates a jolly mood.

Self and Chiodini create a smooth jazz patina that is delightful and amiable.  Drawing from a palette that applies elements found in soul, jazz, and Latin music, the recording has mass appeal on a global scale.

Musicians:
Jim Self - F tuba, CC tuba, and fluba
John Chiodini - electric guitar, and classical guitar
Ron Stout - flugelhorn and trumpet
David Angel - baritone sax
Tom Peterson - tenor sax
Scott Whitfield - trombone