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February 26–March 5, 1998

disc quicks|jazz

Bebop and Destruction

Heavy Machinery

(My Own Planet Recordings)

Despite its apocalyptic name, Bebop and Destruction doesn't seem bent on annihilating jazz tradition. In fact, Heavy Machinery opens with a straightforward blues tune—"411 East 14th," by guitarist Dan Heck. The groove is urbane, serious and cool, like something Paul Desmond might have recorded if he had apprenticed with Wes Montgomery instead of Dave Brubeck. Granted, this Seattle-based quartet still has that whipper-snapper feel; despite a solid rendition of John Scofield's "Big Fan," the group lacks the strong sense of identity that would allow it to reinvent the tune. Fortunately, the musicians in Bebop and Destruction are resourceful improvisers. Heck and altoist Marc Fendel trade boppish solos throughout the disc, the latter delivering several Cannonball Adderly-inspired choruses on Sonny Rollins' "The Bluesnote." Bassist Geoff Harper plays impressively on Heck's original modal composition "Here It Is," peppering his phrases with tasty double-stops. As a group, Bebop and Destruction is tight and dynamic, and its bluesy roots lend hooks to each of the eight songs on Heavy Machinery. Like Bay Area guitarist Charlie Hunter and Hammond B-3-playing producer Wayne Horvitz, Bebop and Destruction makes this music accessible without dumbing it down.

-Nate Chinen

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