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Chris Tarry Group | “Almost Certainly Dreaming” :Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine
“Almost Certainly Dreaming”
www.christarry.com
Oh man. When Chris emailed and said, “Hey. I’m really proud of my new CD that’s coming out, let me send you one to check out!”, I knew it was going to be cool. His previous release, “Sorry to be Strange” was a wonderful album full of fantastic playing (everything I’ve heard from Chris has been pretty fantastic, actually). I must say, this is one of the best albums I’ve heard in a while. Chris moved from Canada (where he had quite a name for himself already touring with bands like “Metalwood”) to NYC in 2003 and has steadily been securing his place among the greats in the scene. Having played with John Scofield, Wayne Krantz, Oz Noy, Keith Carlock, Ben Monder, Anton Fig and a host of others since his arrival, it seems he’s doing quite well in a scene that is notoriously demanding and not for the weak-hearted.
“Almost Certainly Dreaming” (featuring Dan Weiss (drm), Henry Hey (pno), Peter McCann (gtr) & Kelly Jefferson (sax)) is Chris’ masterpiece, I believe. Every track is gripping and fluid. Liquid is the word that comes to mind… These guys play so well together and navigate some pretty deep grooves through some pretty oblique time-signatures and rhythmic patterns (but never forced or hard to grab ahold of). Both Chris and Dan Weiss really stands out to me (although, I always tend to fall for the rhythm section, admittedly. But Chris and Dan just tear it up together!). I haven’t heard him before, but I can only imagine that we will all be hearing a lot more from all of these guys. Each voice is strong and unique but there is a respect in regards to the way each interacts. Very mature playing and some world class soloing by all. Chris sounds absolutely wonderful and his writing has taken on an intensified quality and clarity that (I’m sure) will not go ignored by music lovers. He is most definitely making his mark both as a musician, technician and composer. I look forward to hearing where we grows from here!