Johnnie Valentino: Stingy Brim

I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised as of late to have received some interesting CD’s that feature Jazz Guitar in a less than traditional fashion. Instead of purely guitaristic blowing sessions, I have come across a number of leaders who have embraced the abilities of the guitar in a more compositional and ensemble design creating exceptional soundscapes and appealing tunes.

Case in point is the latest CD from guitarist Johnnie Valentino titled “Stingy Brim”. “Stingy Brim” not only features the delightfully eclectic writing and playing talents of Valentino, but also “rights the wrong” by returning the Tuba to its place of honor as “…keeper of the bass line in Jazz.” While this may seem like an “odd” instrument to include in an electric setting it surprisingly works well and adds character to the tunes that may otherwise sound less than whole with a regular bass. Just check out “Coyote Cowboy”, “All Monk’s Children” or the free for all tune “Off Balance” to hear the effectiveness of sound that the Tuba produces. Really catchy stuff.

And speaking of catchy, you have just got to check out Valentino’s playing style which falls somewhere between Marc Ribot, John Zorn and Joe Diorio. I mention these three players specifically because they each have a stylistic component that shows up, consciously or not, in Valentino’s playing. The Ribot/Zorn reference refers to Valentino’s quirky outside playing and compositional approach that while not as wild as say a Dom Minasi stills finds it’s way left of center musically.

As to the Joe Diorio reference, well let’s just say that there are more than a few moments when Valentino plays some very sophisticated and intervallically challenging lines. A great tune to use as an example of all this would be “Oyster Boy”, one of my favorites on this CD. Valentino uses a slightly distorted guitar tone to wrench some long lines and a cool sounding intervallic lick from his guitar neck. Definitely a head-turner with the tuba providing a funky bass line that along with Mark Ferber’s solid drumming takes this tune one step closer to the dance floor. A very fun number indeed.

Valentino also plays some very hip lines on the tune “AM2” as he deftly solos over Mick Rossi’s B3 walking bass and Randy Jones’ tuba playing with Bob Sheppard taking over line duties in a well-defined tenor sax exploration of the changes. And for more of the same great playing, take a listen to “Dog Eggs”, where Valentino takes a more traditional approach before veering in a slightly “off” direction. This cat can really play.

He can also compose as well. In fact, a majority of the ten tunes on the CD, all composed by Johnnie Valentino, could be made into wonderful film scores or dramatic TV music. “Return”, a tune co-composed by Valentino and organist Mick Rossi, could definitely find its way onto the big screen with its atmospheric drone and moody melody. And a tune like “Dog Eggs” could easily be mistaken for an Ennio Moriconne track, especially with the principal sound of the tuba adding its unique color variation and Bob Sheppard’s expressive clarinet playing. Mick Rossi’s use of the Harmonium also adds a variable of color that helps with the soundscape. In fact, writer Frank Tafuri describes Johnnie Valentino as a “sound designer” in the liner notes to the CD. I think the term “sound designer” really fits Valentino’s musical persona and one listen to “Where, When & How”, “Return” or any of the other tunes on this CD should qualify that thought.

I must admit that at first I was not expecting much from this CD. I had no idea who Johnnie Valentino was, I really wasn’t a fan of the tuba sound, and I’m not an admirer of hats. But I do enjoy fine guitar playing, great writing, and first-rate musicians, and I got that in spades with this CD. It was a very surprising addition to my personal music collection and I recommend this CD to anyone who likes exceptional music that is a tad left of ordinary…hats optional.

Go to www.omnitone.com/stingybrim/index.htm to purchase Stingy Brim.

Lyle Robinson