Very Early

An octet is the perfect environment to explore the many possibilities of arrangements, textures and colors within each composition, with Octobop’s latest release Very Early, titled after the Bill Evans tune, the ensemble exhibits an updated cool jazz offering. Very Early is Octobop’s fourth recording following the well-received releases, After Dark, Night Lights and Too Close for Comfort. What each recording has in common is a clear and evident respect for West Coast cool jazz in its splendor. West Coast genius Marty Paich’s arrangements find their way onto all of the Octobop releases, which also guides the releases signature sound.

Octobop

Very Early is a great addition to any cool jazz collection or the new jazz listener that desires to be introduced to jazz standards and experience the melody in an accessible and easily understandable format. Octobop is the middle ground between a combo and big band experience that keeps it cool and danceable. The disc highlight is baritone saxophonist Geoff Roach’s arrangement of the ever recognizable “Pink Panther,” which is slinky and swinging and an all-around fun cut. Tenor saxophonist Matt Kesner shows his ability to create a seductive gritty swinging solo. The cut also features Roach on alto flute which creates a nice texture change over Jack Conway (guitarist)'s Freddie Green chunk-chunk styling.

Octobop

Another Roach arrangement that stands out is “Powder Puff,” a Shorty Rogers composition that bounces along, continuing the West Coast mid-tempo swing. Vibraphonist Bill Hazzard takes a whirl in the solo seat on this cut with clear, concise wistful lines. Two carefully placed Marty Paich arrangements adorn Octobop’s Very Early. The opener and closer to the disc, “Love Me or Leave Me” and “You’re My Everything” create an appropriate first and last word to sum up the group's straight-ahead accessible renditions of classic American Songbook standards. Octobop is a good introduction into the West Coast era of cool jazz founded in the 1950’s and early 60’s.