Range of Motion
***
Drummer Jack Mouse's credits are a mile long, and the breadth of styles he has played is just as wide. Many of those styles are on display on his debut album as a leader. The album opens with a crisp ting-a-ling from Mouse's cymbal in homage to multi-reedist John LaPorta. His eight measures of unapologetic swing set the tone for much of the album. Tenor saxophonist Scott Robinson takes a breathless solo over guitarist John McLean's chordal support while trumpeter Art Davis introduces himself with a brief blast. Without benefit of piano, McLean's guitar is a constant presence and unfortunately so is his tone. He applies a chorus effect that can be an immense distraction to an otherwise organic sound from the rest of the band. "Hip Check," Mouse's homage to hockey great Bobby Orr, indulges McLean's spacey effects to maddening consequence, while "Manne-rism" is the most devoid of foot-driven guitar work. Mouse sets the pace with a little brushwork before the horns dance on a quick line.
Jack Mouse Group @ DownBeat
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