Paul Bollenback Invocation CD

wonderfully evocative! fresh and haunting!soulful, sophisticated and spiritual.

The self-penned opener "Dancing Leaf" distinguished by harmonized guitar and trumpet lines, hip chordal movement and a blend of chromatic tacks and bluesy inflections, not only sets the mood; it reminds us that Bollenback has always been capable of presenting his soul-jazz influences in a thoroughly modern context when the tune called for it. And that's often the case on this release. . As the album unfolds, other aspects of his talents as a player, composer and arranger come into sharp focus. The two-part title track, an original composition, makes imaginative use of Chris McNulty's wordless vocals and trumpeter Randy Brecker's flair for infusing improvisations with both lyricism and drama.

' Jazz Times, Jan-Feb, 2008 - Mike Joyce, "!remarkable facility, warm-toned improvisational flow and rich chordal vocabulary!. Bollenback combines accomplished songwriting with commanding chops and depthful expression for yet another stellar outing." Bill Milkowski - Sep 2007 '!Melodically & harmonically!flawless. His rhythmic articulation is awash with solid time & interpretation! witty, flexible, exploratory, & utterly swinging.. This is a jazz musician with a future that shouldn't be taken for granted. Kudos galore to him!! George W. Carroll - The Musicians' Ombudsman - October, 2007'!..richly layered harmonies, the fluidly inventive intensity of his soloing, the accessible braininess of his compositions. Also apparent is Bollenback's finely honed, expansive Metheny-esque artistic vision. On parts one and two of the title tune, a searching Coltrane-ian atmosphere prevails. Bollenback uses McNulty's soaring vocalese the way other artists employ synthesizers, creating glowing washes over a wandering guitar/trumpet trek. The disc's closer, 'After the Rain,' comes from the Coltrane pen, showcasing Brecker and Bollenback on an introspective gem of a performance. He's {Bollenback's} shaped a voice very much his own, and is proving himself one of the most boldly creative guitarists in jazz.

' Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz - December, 2007 '!this may be his best album yet. Like Kenny Burrell, one of his major influences, Bollenback is a remarkably consistent, high- level performer who somehow gives the impression that he already has the answer to any question he may pose! the guitarist shines in some lovely trio performances on an album that is the epitome of superior craftsmanship. Ray Comisky, Irish Times, Nov 30, 2007 '..this album is one of the most creative and original releases of 2007. The results are cohesion within form and linear expression! and the magic is in the spontaneity.. An incredible addition to tracks of IDown Beat (p.70) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[He] has something different, be it his dark-hued tone, smudgy-fast lines or warmly angular arrangements..."
JazzTimes (p.109) - "[S]oulful, sophisticated and spiritual....Coltrane's 'After the Rain,' played in free time and accented by Lewis' showering cymbals, brings the album to a wonderfully evocative close."

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