The Alchemist

Scott Reeves writes fresher, more meticulous, more challenging tunes than many well-known jazz composers. He also plays two sonically seductive instruments you've never heard of, the alto flugelhorn...and the alto valve trombone. Reeves's touch is always deft and light, his designs traced in fine lines.
STEREOPHILE

Having spent the last decade focused on compositions and recordings for his Jazz Orchestra, Scott Reeves took some time during the pandemic to revisit unreleased recordings from his quintet, which put out several albums during the 2000s. Discovering this set recorded live at Harlem's City College of New York in 2005, Reeves re-experienced the palpable chemistry and magic of the night as the band was connecting in a deeply musical place. He had been experimenting with electronic enhancements to his alto flugelhorn and alto valve trombone at the time. In combination with Russ Spiegel's electric guitar on the melodies, and alongside Mike Holober's piano and Fender Rhodes orchestrations, they uncovered a border between the warmth of more traditional forms of jazz and the edginess of more experimental explorations. The quintet is rounded out by veteran New York musicians, bassist Howard Britz and drummer Andy Watson.

Click here to listen to the album

Track Listing

1. New Bamboo 7:57
2. Shapeshifter 8:21
3. Without a Trace 7:57
4. The Alchemist 7:29
5. Remembrances 6:02
6. All or Nothing at All 7:09

All compositions by Scott Reeves published by Reebone Music, BMI, except: "All or Nothing at All," Arthur Altman & Jack Lawrence, published by Range Road Music, Inc.)

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