Avi Rothbard : Twin Song

“Twin Song”, the latest offering from New York based Jazz Guitarist Avi Rothbard, is a swinging session of nine original compositions in an organ trio style that brings to mind the pairings of Jimmy Smith/Wes Montgomery and Grant Green/Larry Young. And while he lays claim to the guitar influences of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Grant Green, George Benson and others of their ilk in no way does he come off sounding like a mindless clone of those outstanding players.

This should be apparent from the very first listen of “Preach’s Inches” as Rothbard digs deep into a bag of straight ahead jazz and blues lines that define his taste and purpose, which is to play the music he loves as sincerely as he can. There’s no pretension here, just memorable tunes, a great guitar tone, a killer time feel, and a great bunch of players. Organist Jared Gold, drummer Joe Strasser, and special guest tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, who appears on three cuts, really know how to listen and interact with each other and they all add a tremendous amount of support and collaboration towards Rothbard’s sense of melody, time and feel.

A good example of the group’s teamwork is on the title track " Twin Song”. Played in 6/8, organ and drums keep the momentum continuous while paying special attention to the syncopated elements of the tune as Strasser cuts loose throughout the tune at appropriate times. Rothbard plays some nice modern lines against the changes reminiscent of Peter Bernstein's appraoch except that it’s all Rothbard. Great playing all around!

Of course this doesn’t mean that Rothbard’s influences don’t filter into his playing every now and then. “Minor Impact” has a few uptempo lines that hint at, rather than scream, Martino. In fact, both Rothbard and Gold really shine throughout this tune as Strasser goads them along with some swinging cymbal play. “Five Corners”, one of my favorite tunes, also has some dazzling Benson like playing during his solo and near the end of the tune. This tune also features tenor player Wayne Escoffery, an awesome player bringing a healthy mix of traditional and modern sounding improv to the foreground. Be sure to check him out also on the tunes “One & Nine” and “Just A little Sip”. I’m sure you will agree that he is a great addition to the trio.

Another of my favorite tunes is the heartfelt tune “Cheerleader”. Rothbard and company really have a hit with this one and it could definitely do quite well in both the Adult Contemporary markets as well as the Jazz radio market. Rothbard plays beautifully on this tune and for those who complain that there is no “feeling” left in Jazz, just check out this tune, you might just change your mind. Well done guys.

And speaking of feeling, “Password” is Rothbard’s homage to one of his guitar heroes, the esteemed Joe Pass. “Password” is a marvelously played solo guitar arrangement that features lush chords, thoughtful bass line movement, quick single line action, and some nice bluesy passages played with a determined sense of swing and passion. I could listen to this cat play like this all night.

“Twin Songs” is an all around great CD that should have no problem fitting into anyone’s Jazz Guitar collection. As a very talented player, Rothbard will no doubt provide groovin’ music and swingin’ tunes for many years to come and I look forward to hearing more from him.

Go to www.rothbardmusic.com to purchase Twin Song or to see what else Avi Rothbard has to offer.

Lyle Robinson