Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet’s latest release, Catalyst: The Music of Gregg Hill, showcases Gregg Hill’s compositions through a vibrant prism of global jazz interpretations, expertly arranged by guitarist Elden Kelly. This compelling collection thrives on interplay and creative arrangements designed to ignite each musician’s distinctive talents, creating a captivating sonic landscape.
“Traveling with Gregg” opens the album with a nuanced exploration drawing from Indian-fusion traditions. Henrik Karapetyan’s violin entrances with virtuosic flair, weaving through flowing melodic passages, while Igor Houwat’s oud textures create an exotic timbre in the conversation. Mike List’s rhythmic mastery, blending tabla and frame drums, grounds the ensemble firmly, enabling Dave Sharp’s robust bass lines to guide the journey.
In “Rue de Royal,” the quartet embarks on a transatlantic odyssey. The feel is a melding of Karapetyan’s Hungarian jazz-style violin with Houwat’s flamenco-inflected oud. Sharp anchors the piece with fluid bass playing, perfectly bridging the dynamic rhythmic exchanges led by List’s inventive percussion.
“13th Century Lion” is a playful arrangement of a composition that started as a tribute to prog-rock. Here, the sounds employ the lively 5/4 rhythm into a world jazz feel that pulses energetically under Elden Kelly’s adventurous guitar synth explorations. Karapetyan and Houwat exchange spirited solos, each note sparkling with wit and precise musicianship, while Sharp’s bass and List’s percussion maintain a rhythmic groove with remarkable ease.
“Ducks Night Out” takes listeners on a delightful stylistic journey, where the rhythmic feel undergoes a dynamic mood change, reflecting a night out experiencing varied musical scenes. Karapetyan’s command of classical and Armenian traditions comes vividly alive, supported by Houwat’s agile oud responses. List navigates the piece’s rhythmic characters deftly, with Sharp’s inventive bass offering harmonic grounding between styles. From the rubato to the lively two-feel, this composition tells a story.
The title track, “Catalyst,” moves fluidly within a compelling world jazz groove in a shifting signature. The tutti lines interlock beautifully with the counter melodies, providing a sturdy, rhythmic canvas for the quartet to express its vibrant melodic arcs. Kelly’s guitar solo is especially intoxicating.
“Cidade” shifts into a reflective ballad setting, highlighting Kelly’s sophisticated fretless guitar tones alongside Karapetyan’s lyrical violin playing. Houwat’s oud adds haunting tremolos and fluid counterpoint. List provides nuanced, subtle percussion and cymbal work, allowing the melodic sensitivity to shine brightly, supported elegantly by Sharp’s resonant bass foundation.
In “Savana,” West African rhythmic influences blend effortlessly with Hill’s compositional elements to create a stunning world jazz texture. List’s percussion is exceptional, laying down propulsive foundations that Sharp builds upon expertly. Kelly’s guitar textures interplay with Karapetyan’s violin to evoke vivid sonic imagery, creating an expansive, cinematic experience. Houwat’s and Kelly’s percussive attract add energy. Houwat’s elegant solo leads to Kelly’s fretless guitar solo in a stunning expression of communication.
“The Stray Moonduck” closes the album with a world music exploration described as a “deranged tabla tango.” This track showcases List’s rhythmic virtuosity and creativity, complemented by Houwat’s energetic oud lines. Karapetyan’s violin flourishes, and Kelly’s inventive guitar work heightens the playful, experimental mood, anchored by Sharp’s consistently engaging bass. Notice the many expressive sounds and personalities each player playfully expresses in this performance.
Catalyst: The Music of Gregg Hill vividly exemplifies the powerful synergy of exceptional composition and inspired interpretation. Sharp, Karapetyan, Houwat, Kelly, and List collectively breathe life into Hill’s compositions. Each of the eight tracks are structured spaces by arrangements energized with outstanding ensemble performances. That’s the short of it!
