IU's jazz studies department can be proud.
Kyle Quass
Eye of the Beholder
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Kyle Quass, hailing from the School of Music with his master's in jazz studies, has just released another CD that testifies to the nation's top jazz program. Eye of the Beholder starts strong and carries the talent all the way to the end.
Sticking with the Bloomington jazz tradition, Quass and friends create a mixture of sweet horns, swinging rhythms and masterful improvisation. With a selection of tunes that include Latin influences and a song by Thelonius Monk, the CD offers a blend that will entertain even an inexperienced jazz connoisseur.
Mark Tuttle joins Quass's trumpet with his tenor and alto sax expertise, and the two trade solo punches throughout the disk. Whether throwing a gradual sneak attack or exploding with a wail, the horns carry the melodies.
The rhythm section rests on the sticks, hands and bow of Jeff Hiatt, Julian Douglas, Christopher Austin and Ron Brinson. Brinson provides the undercurrent of a soft-spoken bass, occasionally stepping up to move the groove with a solo. Meanwhile, Hiatt handles the set with the light but strong touch. Douglas and Austin add a diverse percussive influence on the darabouka and frame drum, both played with the hands, as guests on a few tracks.
All six musicians start the CD out right with a Latin jam called "Y Ya La Quiero" by Joe Henderson. This song warms up the speakers with its rolling rhythms and mildly spicy feel. The group mixes it up at the end of the disc with a reprise of this tune.
Another standout track is "Lover Man," where the original four piece of the horns, bass and set creates a sound that wraps the listener in warmth. This disc also contains originals by Quass and some other cover and traditional songs.
Sometimes sultry and sometimes cool, Quass has produced an album that will become part of Bloomington's beautiful jazz scene.
