Written by Johathan Widran
Fans who find themselves instantly enraptured, as I did, with Jimbo Ross’s magnificent, rhythmically multi-faceted and adventurously improvisation filled ensemble album Jazz Passion & Satin Latin could have a field day just citing the iconic credits of the man Don Ellis called way back in the mid-70s, “the only jazz violist in captivity.”
Maybe it’s just that fact that’s made his vibe so in demand by everyone from The (Dixie) Chicks to Chick Corea, Coolio to Stevie Wonder, Frank, Ella and Tony. He also performed with Ellis’ Orchestra and a Django Reinhardt styled gypsy jazz group, playing viola solos in the style of violinist Stephane Grapelli.
Those myriad experiences and the sheer exuberant joy Ross still has playing his unique instrument are the key elements that infuse this cleverly titled collection, from the dashing high energy swing arrangement of “Delilah” (patterned after the classic Clifford Brown/Max Roach version) through the hip, peppy and percussive samba twist on “Lolita” and on through the cheery, whimsical romp “The Breeze and I.”
Aside from a fascinating, off the beaten path repertoire – which also includes the sweetly romantic Polka Dots & Moonbeams,” a charming waltz through “Emily” and the alternately swaying and snappy original “Don the Working Man” – the most salient feature of the generous 13 track set is Ross’ truly unselfish approach to working with his surreal, always spot on quartet.
While his lyrical, expressive melodies and crackling solo action are ever-present to continuously remind us it’s his project, it feels like every song has compelling extended solos guitarist Joe Gaeta and pianist Stuart Elster, bouncing wild ideas off one another like celestial jazzy ping pong balls – all anchored by the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist Peter Marshall and drummer Ron Wagner. A delightfully all over the map grab bag of a session, Jazz Passion & Satin Latin truly lives up to its clever but absolutely accurate name.