Adam Lane Returns with a Rather Stunning “Ashcan Rantings”

Adam Lane is not only one of the superb bassists of his generation, he is also a formidable composer and bandleader. The latest edition of the large Full Throttle Orchestra and the new 2-CD set Ashcan Rantings (Clean Feed 203) shows all of this in abundance. Full Throttle is a kind of mini-big band with seven horns, bass and drums. Nate Wooley and Taylor Ho Bynam on trumpets and reedmen Avram Fefer-Matt Bauder are probably the best known of the lot, but everybody plays an important role in the proceedings.

Basically the music on this fine set has an out-front Lane as the effectively weighty anchor for all that transpires. There are wonderfully voiced horn lines, spirited ventures into straight-eight, swing, balladic choral, and freetime feels and arrangements that set off and balance the solos in a near-perfect symbiosis.

Everyone clicks, everything works and Mr. Lane gives us an album that exemplifies what contemporary jazz is all about when it’s done right: it’s in turn exciting, accomplished and both well-conceived and in-the-moment. If you buy only ten jazz albums this year, this might well be one you should include on your list.

Adam Lane's "Buffalo," A Superb Musical Experience

Originally posted on September 4, 2008

Adam Lane brings into today’s jazz picture a great approach to the acoustic bass, a real talent for writing and arranging appropriate vehicles for his band, and the ability to organize and lead a group and get the members to be themselves while functioning as a true unit.

Nowhere is this more present than in his quartet recording Buffalo (Cadence Jazz), recorded live in that city as the climax of a productive tour. It’s his regular trio of Golia on saxes and Anderson on drums with the worthy addition of trumpet ace Paul Smoker. There is fire and drive to this set, a dedication to playing coherently and convincingly with every passing moment. This is modern jazz with bite. There are few bands playing today that can equal what they achieve on Buffalo. Check out www.cadencejazz.com for more info or to order.