Aaron Comess Quintet Record Release

Drummer Aaron Comess has delivered by far his most straight ahead, purely-jazz album to-date, a high energy collection of originals and seminal covers inspired by an era that changed the course of his musical life: the Miles Davis Group from 1964 to 1968 (with Tony Williams, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter,) as well as by the John Coltrane Group (featuring Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison,) between 1962 and 1965. Comess’ new CD, entitled ‘Aaron Comess Quintet’ and set for March 2015 release, aims to evoke the joyful intensity he felt when exposed to this music. He comments: “The music made by these two groups changed my whole way of thinking — and to this day are as inspiring as when I first heard them.”

This is a traditional jazz project, recorded live on-stage over the course of three sets and featuring Keith Loftis on sax (Roy Hargrove, Michael Carvin,) Barney McAll on piano (Gary Bartz, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Cobb,) Richard Hammond on upright bass (Patti Austin, Angelique Kidjo,) Teddy Kumpel on guitar (Martha Redbone) and Comess on drums.

The upcoming album is a combination of original compositions by Comess and one by Loftis, as well as covers of ‘Resolution’ by John Coltrane, ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’ by Eddie Harris and made famous by Davis…and more. The collection is highlighted by its contrasting tracks — ‘Africa’ is intense, melodic and truly memorable, and then ‘Catskills Last Waltz’ shifts to a completely different vibe, humorous, witty, nostalgic…’Intangible’ is smoky and kinda sexy, and ‘Resolution’ soars…

‘Aaron Comess Quintet’ marks Comess’ fourth solo instrumental release and his first to be described as “pure jazz instrumental”. His 2013 ‘Blues For Use’ had more of an overt rock vibe, and 2011’s ‘Beautiful Mistake’ was somewhere in between. ‘Aaron Comess Quintet’ was recorded live, in front of an audience, at Smoke Jazz in NYC. Comess adds, “The time felt right for me to make a record like this, as this music has always been a huge part of my musical makeup.”