Jason Adasiewicz: vibraphone
Jason Roebke: bass
Tim Daisy: drums
Guest Artists
Jeb Bishop: trombone
Josh Berman: cornet
Keefe Jackson: tenor saxophone & bass clarinet
Fred Lonberg-Holm: cello and electronics
Reviews
4 Stars - DownBeat Magazine, June 2011
"Despite a lineup that includes clarinet and vibes, Klang was not an obvious choice to pay tribute to Goodman. While the quartet's leader, clarinetist James Falzone, is, like Goodman, well steeped in both swing and classical music, his allegiance lies more with Jimmy Giuffre and the music of Brittany and the Middle East. But that distance is part of what makes this album stand apart from the repertory exhumations that clog the jazz bins in those few stores that still carry jazz records. There's no musty stench of antiquity about these performances. While they honor much that Goodman stood for—"AC/DC Current," for example, is full of joy and swings like mad, and the musicianship on "Stompin' At The Savoy" is of the highest level—they don't forget who they are or where they come from. Their shared history in groups like Vox Arcana, Engines, and the Valentine Trio is as much an inspiration as Goodman's tunes for the masterful mixing of tight ensemble playing, free improvising and exploratory atmospherics found on Other Doors." ~ Bill Meyer, DownBeat
"So unmistakably right, a genuine understanding of the Ur-material projected into the present. Subtle thing. Not easy to convey. Immensely impressive . . . this is music driven along by Falzone’s remarkable, capacious imagination and grasp of group dynamics. The municipal hype delivers big on Other Doors. KLANG made a remarkable start with last year’s Tea Music. This consolidates the debut, adds a layer, and does thoughtful honor to Benny and Hamp and Charlie and Gene, which is no small feat." ~ Brian Morton, Point of Departure
"Throughout the 15-track session, quartet members and their guests gleefully experiment with counter melodies and conflicting tempos to expand the scope of their - and their listeners' - musical horizons. From the title track's chamber-music air to what might be called "space-age avant-swing" on works such as "The 4:08," KLANG delivers unexpected delights." ~ Mark Holston, Jazziz
"By interpreting hallowed material from a personal viewpoint, rather than mere repertoire, Other Doors embraces the same longstanding concepts jazz musicians have endeavored to explore throughout the decades. Blending new pieces with startling arrangements of old standards, the record provides a fresh look at the legacy of a respected icon. Throughout the date, Falzone and company bring a kaleidoscopic array of moods to Goodman's work . . . Despite his enthusiastic delivery, Falzone never merely imitates Goodman's jubilance; his robust, woody tone and bold phrasing skirt the edges of conventional harmony without drifting beyond the boundaries of tonality. Supported by the lively contributions of his sideman Other Doors easily sidesteps the nostalgic clichés that plague many similar homage's by bringing a freewheeling and modernistic vitality to the enduring work of a celebrated innovator."
~Troy Collins, All About Jazz
"It all clicks amazingly here, with swing, chamber and free-jazz meshing together, sometimes in the same piece, creating a unique presentation of historical continuum. Falzone's playing is rich and elegant but never conservative, and his arrangements bear the same qualities. The contributions by the guests are very valuable as they expand the sound palette and provide some nice soloing. The chemistry of this group is what really makes it all click - excellent job creating the sense of unity in the diversity is what makes this album such a success really . . . with an abvious nod to a history, this project is not a history lesson. Highly Recommended. ~ The Jazz Alchemist, Poland
James Falzone website
