Reviews
Rochester City News
by Ron Netsky | September 6, 2006
www.rochester-citynews.com
There is a palpable sense of joy emanating from Bob Reynolds’ saxophone on his debut album, Can’t Wait For Perfect. Reynolds’ compositions (he wrote all 10 tracks) manage to be complex and catchy at the same time, not an easy balance to maintain in jazz. In fact, “First Steps” is among the finest jazz tunes I’ve heard from a contemporary artist. Other songs range from dreamlike — “Intro (For Tomorrow)” — to bluesy — “Can’t Wait For Perfect.”
It’s not surprising that saxophone great Joshua Redman recently endorsed Reynolds’ compositional prowess by playing “Nine Lives,” another fine tune from the album, with his Elastic Band during a recent set at New York’s Blue Note club.
Reynolds wisely waits until the final cut to slow things down with a beautiful ballad, “The Escape,” that gains momentum as it unfolds. Reynolds’ playing and improvisational skills are first-rate throughout, but no small part of this album’s success is due to the stellar cast of sidemen he has assembled.
Pianist Aaron Goldberg takes flight on the opening track, “Common Ground,” and never lands. Bassist Reuben Rogers and Drummer Eric Harland provide a rock-solid foundation on tune after tune. Guitarist Mike Moreno and pedal steel guitarist David Soler play on only a few cuts, but add some wonderful coloration when they do. We should be hearing a lot more from Bob Reynolds.
