Personnel:
Scott McLemore (d), Tony Malaby (ts), Ben Monder (g), Ben Street (b)
Reference: FSNT-248
Bar code: 8427328422482
Scott McLemore is a drummer based in Reykjavik, Iceland. In 1997 he moved to New York where he lived for 8 years and played with such talented musicians as: Sunna Gunnlaugs, Ben Monder, Michael Kanan, Tony Malaby, Angelica Sanchez, David Berkman, Chris Cheek, George Colligan, Kerry Politzer, Mark Helias, and Tim Berne. His work as a leader has resulted in a wonderful recording with Tony Malaby, Ben Monder and Ben Street called "Found Music" which is available now on Fresh Sound New Talent Records.
Tracklisting:
1. Hopeful Instead 6:30
2. Hold Up 3:45
3. Safe From The World 3:47
4. Matins 7:53
5. If You Wish 5:29
6. At No Cost To You 5:07
7. Ég Veit Ekki 5:00
8. Ambiguity 5:42
9. Worldly Possessions 10:46
Recorded at Maggies Farm, March 3, 2000.
All compositions by Scott McLemore.
Review:
Now based in Reykjavik, Iceland, drummer Scott McLemore grew up on the American East Coast, studying at Old Dominion University and William Paterson College and paying his dues in New York for eight years. The program of original compositions on Found Music, recorded in 2000, bears the fruit of those years. Along with tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, guitarist Ben Monder and bassist Ben Street, he stirs jazz modern mainstream pot with a session that drives heartily with plenty of energy.
A drummer who likes to propel delicately from the center of the room, McLemore varies his textures and scrambles each selection enthusiastically. Saxophone and guitar work in unison much of the time, setting up the programs nine themes, then stretching out individually. Malabys soulful tenor squeezes from the heart, while Monders guitar issues legato notes that flow seamlessly alongside. With proud and staggered bass lines from Street, the program drives comfortably.
Exotic pieces allow for impressions that range from the mainland of ancient Spain to the deserts of the Middle East and onto Europes northernmost fringes. McLemores found ideas come from various impressions and can be interpreted in many ways. What he brings us on this debut recording as leader is an eclectic program that draws from folk music influences and allows for the merging of creative spirits. Malaby, Monder and Street give McLemore a cohesive bundle that ebbs and flows gently while driving consistently through the underlying force of his drum kit.
-By Jim Santella (All About Jazz.
