Joe Barna and Sketches Of Influence
Blowin’ It Out
Self-released
2011

Watching drummer Joe Barna’s development has been pure pleasure for everyone who’s followed him. Only a few years ago, Barna could have handed out business cards embossed with the slogan, “This kit goes to 11!” But his rocket-like growth curve has left those days far behind, as witnessed by Barna’s superb live disc, Blowin’ It Out.

Recorded live at the late, lamented Bread & Jam Café in Cohoes, New York, Barna collected a heady mix of local heroes and New York heavies to make the kind of energetic trad jazz that needs to be played: the kind that gives the past a grateful nod, but not an over-reverential bow. It’s also music Barna composed with individuals “of influence” in mind—from local icon Lee Shaw to Hall of Fame pianist McCoy Tyner. The up-tempo opener “Sudden Lee” is dedicated to second-generation sax star Lee Russo, and the front line of reedman Jon Gordon and horn player Joe Magnarelli hit this hard-bopper like the Packers hit Ben Roethlisberger. The crowd only gets a short taste of the devastating harmony the two Vanguard Jazz Orchestraalums are capable of before Gordon steps out and sears the place with his alto.

It sounds wrong to call Gordon economical, because the content just comes in waves and rarely stops. But itisn’t wrong, because it’s all substance with no filler; not a note is wasted or out-of-place, whether it’s on flag-wavers like “Lee” and “Brother Steve,” or on the elegant ballad “Ivory Romance.” Gordon plays soprano sax on the latter tune, and the result proves Gordon is one of today’s best on that instrument. While Gordon is the diver and the dancer, Magnarelli is the big hammer. It’s not that he lacks moves of his own—far from it. But it’s his muscle car quality power that makes his pairing with Gordon so choice. Magnarelli even takes the usually more subtle flugelhorn and makes it a weapon of marvelous destruction on the sexy bossa “Teardrops from Home” and the waltz-cum-blues “It Has Only Been A Day.”

Anyone familiar with bassist “Captain Lou” Smaldone won’t be surprised with the wide, fat foundation he effortlessly lays, or with his substantive solo on the bluesy “Time For Tyner.” The big surprise comes from pianist Dave Solazzo. The Syracuse native’s stock-in-trade has been a Bill Evans-quality lyricism, which Solazzo amply displays during his in-the-clear solo on “Ivory.” But his unexpectedly funky aggression on “Tyner” is worthy of the piece’s namesake, and his best moments on Blowin’ It Out happen when he surrounds the front line’s melodies with grinning, impudent fills. Barna’s always a great drummer, but on this date he’s a greatleader, focusing most of his energy setting up his band mates to score big; the closest he gets to a solo is trading ripping fours and eights with the front line.

Life is all about choices. Joe Barna chose to put his music ahead of himself. It was a wise decision that showed maturity and discipline. And Blowin’ It Out is only the beginning.

READ THE REVIEW HERE