BRUCE KAPHAN QUARTET

Bruce Kaphan Quartet

2012-06-15

Bruce Kaphan Quartet is Kaphan’s third release. Musicians include John R. Burr and Rich Kuhns on piano, Jason Lewis--drums/percussion, Jeffrey Wash—fretless electric bass, John Wiitala--upright acoustic bass with Bruce Kaphan on pedal steel guitar and synth. Kaphan has contributed on various artists’ albums including Thomas Dolby’s A Map of the Floating City in addition to writing film score. Kaphan has worked for years getting just the right output from his pedal steel equipment. There is a thin line between pedal steel jazz and country. On the first track, he introduces you to that beautiful, shimmering sound of pedal steel fusion. This album is book-ended by two remarkable songs: “Æther” and “Highways Remembered.” So many have covered “Birdland” but the Quartet’s version is impeccable with piano and pedal steel flourishes while still honoring this Weather Report original. Dickie Betts would be impressed with the creative interpretation of his classic “Jessica” that the Quartet has captured with their free jam twist. “Highways Remembered” is a contemplative 7 minute journey of highs and lows, and the occasional joyful ping of harmonic nodes. This album is simply sublime. – Pam VandeKerkhoff

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 09/2011

    SONNY ROLLINS
    ROAD SHOWS VOL. 2

  • reviewed 06/2011

    PAT METHENY
    WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT

  • reviewed 10/2009

    PONCHO SANCHEZ
    PSYCHEDELIC BLUES

  • reviewed 02/2005

    Bryan Vargas & ¡Ya Esta!
    Afro Latino Soul

  • reviewed 09/2017

    Brian Hudson
    Next Level

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Joshua Redman Elastic Band
    Momentum

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.