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"Rex Richardson's new recording "Elegy" is just full of everything you want to hear (!)...Inventive original compositions/arrangements, all from this amazing band, 5 by Rex, and his improvisations have their own Richardson stamp on them. His overall complete artistry on the Trumpet has been well-known for years, but he should be on the top of everyone's list as a creative, virtuosic and unique Jazz Soloist and Composer too, so you owe it to yourself to check this out! Everyone is also at the top of their game too, this ain't easy stuff to play, and in addition, oh yeah, it's swinging deeply and 'in the pocket' when called for too. First rate in every way!"
"Rex Richardson is a musical magician, effortlessly controlling a buzzing air column in a brass tube to conjure music of astounding range and beauty. His artistry has taken him around the world, performing pieces written for his ability to negotiate crazily challenging arrangements as a classical soloist. In a jazz context, that virtuosity is set free of a composed score, revealing a matching capacity for in-the-moment creativity. His new album, “Elegy” (Summit Records) is a timeless, yet up-to-the-minute display of his skills and those of his RVA-all-star collaborators."
Peter McElhinney
A brilliant trumpeter who balances successful careers in both jazz and classical music, Rex Richardson has a warm tone, a wide range, and an adventurous style. In his career he has worked with such greats as Joe Henderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Stefon Harris, Dave Holland, Dave Liebman, James Morrison, Chris Potter, and Kurt Rosenwinkel among others plus many orchestras. His virtuosity sounds effortless and his flow of creative ideas seems natural and endless. He first recorded as a leader in 1992 and has led more than a dozen albums since then.
His latest recording, Elegy, has Richardson leading a quintet/sextet with tenor-saxophonist Charles Owens (JC Kuhl guests on one song), altoist Steve Wilson on three numbers, and two different rhythm sections. The trumpeter contributed five originals, Owens brought in two, and pianist Dimitrije Vasiljevic contributed one song.
The music is mostly modern modal and hard bop jazz that challenges the soloists while covering a variety of moods. The opener, “Peanuts & Ice Cream,” has a catchy riff melody, soulful tenor playing by Owens, a sophisticated and passionate statement from pianist Daniel Clarke, and some pretty spectacular trumpet playing. “Lefty In The Clover” is a haunting waltz that inspires lyrical solos from bassist Andrew Randazzo, pianist Clarke and Richardson. “The Tao Of Heavy” is particularly notable for the trumpeter’s opening cadenza before the piece becomes a little funky. Vasiljevic’s “Aurora” is a medium-slow strut that includes some wailing alto from Steve Wilson.
Each selection has its memorable moments. “Honey Badger” has the horns playing rapid lines and includes a heated statement from Richardson. Owens’ “The Sunday After” is a moody and somewhat mournful ballad. “Seize Every Day” is both a little funky and quite unpredictable before the memorable program concludes with the stormy jazz waltz “No Resolution.”
Elegy is filled with fiery and inventive playing by the lead voices while bassists Andrew Randazzo and Randall Pharr (who have occasional solos) and drummers Brian Caputo and Kofi Shepsu contribute stirring accompaniment. This is one of Rex Richardson’s finest jazz recordings to date and is easily recommended.
Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian
Archives
New CD alert! Featuring Rex along with Dave Ballou, Sean Jones, Richard Johnson, Blake Meister, and Eric Kennedy. Hope to see you at the CD release concert on March 13th at Keystone Korner in Baltimore.
2023 Release: Peter Graham "Force of Nature"
Rex in the U.k.
2 exciting interviews: Anthony Plog and the Brass Junkies!
