FivePlay
This is the debut recording of the FivePlay Jazz Quintet.
Off the Ground starts airily, then gathers momentum through a ski run of jumps, breaks, and turns.
Flight of the Gazorple is a plaintive jazz waltz that evokes the stately flight of an enormous mythical bird. 'He'e' means octopus in Hawaiian and, in
He'e's Boogie, all eight tentacles are fully deployed; modern boogie-woogie meets the Jazz Messengers.
Once Upon A Time tells a story, a ¾-time fairy tale with a nod to Brazil.
Indigone (past tense of the verb "indigo") starts with angular melodies and rhythms, then segues into Latin jazz and builds to an over-the-top finish. In
Amor Fati (the philosophical notion that you should not merely accept your fate, but embrace it) a gentle melody unfolds over rich harmonies.
Fever Dream is a safari to a mysterious and sensual jungle, where unseen dangers lurk. Our son, Evan, came up with the title of
Bright Golden Sunshine for this joyful multi-metric romp, and it expresses the mood perfectly.
In a Grain of Sand is an unusual, impressionistic piece after the poem of William Blake. (Laura previously recorded it with vibraphonist Ted Wolff.) We wrap it up with
Sidesteppin' Blues, a soulful after-hours tune with some hip variations on the classic blues form. The tracks:
- Off the Ground
- Flight of the Gazorple
- He'e's Boogie
- Once Upon a Time
- Indigone
- Amor Fati
- Fever Dream
- Bright Golden Sunshine
- In a Grain of Sand
- Sidesteppin' Blues
Five of Hearts
Our second CD: Melodic, heartfelt jazz that feeds your soul-eleven knockout originals, including forays into tango and samba, burning uptempo jazz, a wild Balkan ride, a gorgeous gospel waltz, a romantic Ellingtonian ballad, and more!
- Terra Incognita
- Ting-a-Ling
- From Time to Time
- Ha Ha
- Monsoon Blues
- Ano Novo
- Ya Kitis Zaks
- Summer Dusk
- Scrim Shimmy
- Kiss of the Tenor
- Brother Dave
Five and More
For our third recording, we're delighted to be joined by some of the Bay Area's finest musicians: the Albatross Clarinet Quartet, trombonist Frank Phipps, vibraphonist Ted Wolff, and an outstanding trombone section.
The Girl You Look Right Past: (Tony) Sometimes a melodic fragment comes with a lyric attached. This one did, hence the title. The Mighty Trombone Section burnishes the proceedings.
Enology: (Laura) Dedicated to our son, Evan Klein-Corman, who's getting his degree in wine and viticulture. A modern take on 'I Got Rhythm' changes, all swing buoyantly here!
What Bobby Said: (Tony) In memory of Bobby Paunetto, Latin composer, vibist, and one of my musical heroes. In 1975, one brief conversation with him saved my musical soul. Vibist Ted Wolff, a compatriot of Bobby at Berklee in the 1970s, contributes a passionate solo, and the dark sonorities of the Albatross Clarinet Quartet infuse the tune with a nocturnal quality.
Glow in the Dark: (Laura) This waltz begins in an introspective mood, but in the ending vamp the group joyously breaks free. Soprano sax pairs with vibes on the melody, and Alan's expressive brushwork is highlighted on his solo. One Better: (Tony) Originally written as a break tune for the band, it grew. The shout section pits the Mighty Trombone Section against the tough-love combination of tenor-guitar. All are reconciled in the coda.
Rosa Rugosa: (Tony) This bossa nova is named for a simple variety of rose. The one we planted produced only a single flower, which for some reason struck me as rather romantic. Frank Phipps contributes a relaxed and lyrical solo on marching trombone, and the clarinets shine in Clare Fischer-inspired passages.
Stella Steps Out: (Laura) Written when our niece, Stella Maeve, was born (now she's a full-grown professional actress). I start out with an exploratory intro, after which the band comes in and tears it up.
Glamorgan: (Dave) In memory of Dave's mother, Brenda Tidball, who passed away in 2012. Glamorgan is Dave's home county in Wales, a lush, green landscape frequently cloaked in rain. Laura's contemplative piano sets the tone, and honorary druid Paul Smith plays a deeply sonorous bass solo.
Abbott's Lagoon: (Laura) Named after a magical place in Point Reyes, California, inhabited by snowy plovers, bobcats, and rabbits, among others.
Making Spirits Rise: (Tony) What we hope our music does for our listeners!
- The Girl You Look Right Past
- Enology
- What Bobby Said
- Glow in the Dark
- One Better
- Rosa Rugosa
- Stella Steps Out
- Glamorgan
- Abbott's Lagoon
- Making Spirits Rise
Summer Dusk: Studio Sessions
FivePlay plus four-part vocals tracked by top London session singers, produced by Dr Richard Niles, a flute choir, and the ever-soulful
Clairdee singing her heart out on the Ellingtonian title ballad.
- Bright Golden Sunshine (voc)
- Lost and Found
- Summer Dusk (voc by Clairdee)
- Springhill Road
- Once Upon a Time
- Sparks
- One Better
- Evanessence
- Divide Meadow