The Jazz Coin: Scott Hamilton & John Escreet

By C. MICHAEL BAILEY, Published: September 23, 2013
Twenty-first century jazz has a greater breadth and depth than any time previously. Granularity in jazz genre has become so reduced that genre designations are almost meaningless. In jazz, we are approaching a time when jazz will no longer be "jazz" but music in the most liberal sense of the word. But, until that time, we will have contrasts like those heard from tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and pianist John Escreet.

Scott Hamilton 
Swedish Ballads...and More 
Charleston Square Recordings - 2013

Backed by a crack Scandinavian rhythm section, tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton delivers seven schnapps-smooth Swedish ballads and mid-tempo tunes that include the standard "Dear Old Stockholm" and Quincy Jones' "Stockholm Sweetnin.'" Pianist Jan Lundgren, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Christian Leth provide Hamilton a cool and seamless continuum for the saxophonist to play with and over. All are provided solo space, Lundgaard taking advantage of his on "Dear Old Stockholm," turning in an angular yet melodic spot without losing any swing.

Pianist Lundgren is perfectly composed within the confines of Lundgaard's Swiss timekeeping. His solos, such as "Swing in F," are informed and carefully conceived, filled with drama and relaxed suspense. This band shares a great empathy with Hamilton, who responds, in kind, with some of his warmest tenor playing. "You Can't Be In Love With A Dream" is downright creamy and rich, Hamilton playing with a breathy expectation. An audio dictionary would play this recording as an example of jazz; it is the very best of traditional mainstream.

John Escreet 
Sabotage and Celebration 
Whirlwind Recordings - 2013

Pianist John Escreet is one of a group of progressive jazz artists redefining jazz performance. This group includes alto saxophonist David Binney, pianist Taylor Eigsti, and vocalists Gretchen Parlato, Becca Stevens, and Rebecca Martin, among many others. These musicians are intent on leaving a very definite mark on jazz as it enters its second one-hundred years. Escreet's music has been the subject of many reviews at All About Jazz including his most recent releases, Don't Fight The Inevitable (Mythology Records, 2010), The Age We Live In (Mythology Records, 2011), and Exception To The Rule (Criss Cross, 2011). He is a restless sort of musician, trying many things at once before choosing a direction for a project.

On Sabotage and Celebration, another recording of seven selections, Escreet travels from the abstract classical on "Axis of Hope" through the breezy and balladic "He Who Dares" with its craggy head and solid rhythm to the pure chaos of the middle section of the lengthy title composition, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter playing his best John Coltrane on ecstasy while Escreet weaves in and out of Don Pullen by way of Cecil Taylor.

Iconoclastic drummer Jim Black plays, well, iconoclastically. "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams" features the ubiquitous David Binney on alto and soprano saxophones as well as the same string section opening the recording. It is a cogent and edgy platform for Binney to wail. Escreet's innate restlessness will insure more compelling music like this.

Read more: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45442#.UkVxoRbhEhQ

Jazz Musician of the Day: John Escreet

All About Jazz is celebrating hn Escreet's birthday today!

Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet has had a powerful impact, and is emerging as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there. He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more. Escreet keeps himself busy by touring regularly across the United States, Canada... Read more.

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Jazz Musician of the Day: John Escreet

All About Jazz is celebrating John Escreet's birthday today!

Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet has had a powerful impact, and is emerging as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there. He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more.

Escreet keeps himself busy by touring regularly across the United States, Canada...Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet has had a powerful impact, and is emerging as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there.

He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more. Escreet keeps himself busy by touring regularly across the United States, Canada.

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=85758

Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet.....

This New Work by John Escreet has been made possible with support from Chamber Music America’s 2009 New Jazz Works: Commissioning and Ensemble Development program funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet has had a powerful impact, and is emerging as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there. He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more.

Escreet keeps himself busy by touring regularly across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. When not on the road, he resides in New York City, working on and performing his own original music, constantly challenging himself and searching for something new and original. In the summer of 2008 he graduated from the Master’s Program at Manhattan School of Music, where he studied piano with Kenny Barron and Jason Moran.

He leads his own group ‘The John Escreet Project’ which is described by the New York Times as “a superb band”, and which features some of the most exciting and forward-thinking improvising musical talents on the New York jazz scene.

As well as performing at most of New York City’s major jazz venues, John has performed at important international jazz venues such as the Blue Note (Milan), Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Ronnie Scott’s (London), Upstairs (Montreal), and has also performed at major concert halls such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Purcell Room and the CBSO Centre. John is also active in jazz education, and has given clinics and workshops at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music (London), Birmingham Conservatoire (Birmingham UK), McGill University (Montreal), Humber College (Toronto) and Loyola University (New Orleans).

John Escreet....

John Escreet - Jazz pianist/composer b. Doncaster, England, 1984.
Since moving to New York in 2006, John Escreet has had a powerful impact, and is emerging as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there. He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more. Escreet keeps himself busy by touring regularly across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. When not on the road, he resides in New York City, working on and performing his own original music, constantly challenging himself and searching for something new and original. John is
a graduate of the Master’s Program at Manhattan School of Music, where he studied piano with Kenny Barron and Jason Moran.

He leads his own group ‘The John Escreet Project’ which is described by the New York Times as “a superb band”, and which features some of the most exciting and forward-thinking improvising musical talents on the New York jazz scene - David Binney (alto saxophone), Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Matt Brewer (double bass) and Tyshawn Sorey (drums). John’s highly anticipated debut album with this group ‘Consequences’ was released in September 2008 on the Posi-Tone label, and quickly received widespread critical acclaim, including being voted “Best debut of 2008” by All About Jazz New York. It is also described by All About Jazz as “a scintillating work of modern progressive jazz”, and by the New York Times as “a highly accomplished debut”.

John has worked frequently in David Binney's regular group in NYC, and was also part of the world premier performance of the saxophonist’s new Big Band at the Jazz Gallery. In June 2007 John played a weekend engagement Smalls Jazz Club in New York with his own group that featured Ari Hoenig (drums) and Adam Rogers (guitar). John is also a member of a collective called ‘The Story’ which features some of the most exciting and creative young musicians in NYC – Lars Dietrich (alto saxophone), Samir Zarif (tenor saxophone), Zack Lober (double bass) and Greg Ritchie (drums). Their debut album is released March 2009. John is also a member of The TransAtlantic Collective, which is a new contemporary jazz ensemble, whose members and collaborators are some of the top emerging artists from New York City and London.

John also occasionally leads a trio, which features bassist Orlando LeFleming, and drummer Rodney Green. Since being in NYC, John has also had the opportunity to perform with many other great musicians, including Wayne Krantz, Chris Potter, Seamus Blake, Will Vinson, Logan Richardson, Ben van Gelder, Marcus Gilmore, Dan Weiss and many more. As well as performing at most of New York City’s major jazz venues, John has performed at important international jazz venues such as the Blue Note (Milan), Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Ronnie Scott’s (London), Upstairs (Montreal), and has also performed at major concert halls such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Purcell Room and the CBSO Centre. John is also active in jazz education, and has given clinics and workshops at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music (London), Birmingham Conservatoire (Birmingham UK), McGill University (Montreal), Humber College (Toronto) and Loyola University (New Orleans).

“John Escreet, a British jazz pianist in his mid-20s, has no problem communicating drama. "Consequences," his highly accomplished debut, opens with a half-hour composition — "The Suite of Consequence" — that divides almost imperceptibly into three parts. The piece at large is a whorl of high-impact quintet engagement, combustible solo digressions, calmly contemplative passages and flashes of mounting suspense. A lot happens there, and each moment carries its own sharp glint of conviction.” – The New York Times
http://stuff.johnescreet.com/about/pdf/Press_Kit_complete.pdf

John Escreet Project featuring Dave Binney

Fri 3rd Oct live at Charlie Wright's
JOHN ESCREET PROJECT
featuring DAVE BINNEY
www.myspace.com/johnescreet www.johnescreet.com/

DAVE BINNEY is one of the most prolific jazz musicians on the scene today.
www.myspace.com/davidbinneymusic www.davidbinney.com
Dave's distinctive saxophone sound and innovative compositions have been heard from basement clubs in New York to jazz festivals in Europe. In addition to Daves extensive work as a leader, he has been sought after as a sideman, appearing on record with John Zorn, Jim Hall, Uri Caine's Mahler Project, Gil Evans Orchestra, Maria Schneider Orchestra as well as with Aretha Franklin and Maceo Parker

JOHN ESCREET moved to New York from London in 2006 and only few months later became an essential part of New York jazz community & recorded an album with Seamus Blake (John Scofield, Mingus Big Band, Pat Metheny, Brad Meldhau). Since then hes performed with top New York musicians including Wayne Krantz, Marcus Gilmore, Dan Weiss.