Jerry Kalaf - 'Welcome To Earth' Review

Why play with one band when you can be in three instead? That’s what we find out when listening to the fine jazz of Jerry Kalaf’s album, Welcome To Earth.

Composer, arranger and drummer Jerry Kalaf calls upon some of his longtime collaborators, all top L.A. jazz artists, to bring to life the eight original compositions on Welcome To Earth. Comprising three different bands, (one sextet and two trios) these various lineups fulfill Kalaf’s vision with undeniable talent. Kalaf normally describes his approach as “absolute” rather than “programmatic,” meaning that he focuses on the melodies, harmonies and rhythms of a piece when composing, not the abstracts. What results is a quality sound played with artistic integrity.

The introductory track “Ambiguity” is well-named thanks to its enigmatic characteristics that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Next up is “The Jazz Answer,” an intricate tune following in the tradition of the great jazz pianist Bill Evans. The title song “Welcome To Earth” is a charming, pleasant-sounding piece featuring excellent piano playing (a constant throughout the album no matter who’s tickling the ivories). The lovely waltz “See You Next Year” rounds out the first half of the record with its creative splashes.

“Siyaya Samba” draws inspiration from the Zimbabwean group, Siyaya, soothing your soul with the soft Latin beat and a calming island feel. “Not Knowing” is another charming jazz waltz filled with quiet steadiness. “This One’s For Jim (For Jim Hall)” is undoubtedly one of the CD’s highlights. This tribute to the late jazz guitarist, composer and arranger James Stanley Hall a.k.a. Jim Hall, has a wealth of infective rhythms. Finally there’s “Moving On,” a somewhat solemn, but beautifully executed arrangement you can’t help but fall captive to while listening. I’m definitely not one for slow songs, but I was absolutely entranced from start to finish on this closing track.

There’s nothing pretentious about this recording. The fluidity of sound and graceful textures interlinks and flows. Nothing’s ever forced, lending an organic, stripped-down quality to playing. The musicians’ performances are so refined and pure that the listening experience becomes meditative at times. Overall, Welcome To Earth is an enjoyable album that showcases traditional sounds with a modern approach.

For more information on Welcome To Earth, please visit
Jerry Kalaf’s website.

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