"Dedications is my way of paying tribute to the positive influences on my life," explains jazz pianist Alan Pasqua about his second recording. "Art, music, spirituality, family . . . I draw upon all of these whenever I'm playing or composing. It's a melting pot," he laughs.
In an idiom that hypes "young lions," Pasqua is an anomaly. Although a veteran session player and sideman with musicians such as Tony Williams, Joe Henderson, Gary Burton, and Stanley Clarke, Pasqua waited until he was 40 to release his debut album as a leader, Milagro, to glowing reviews, including a 4 1/2 star rating from Down Beat. "I always wanted to do a leader date so that people would get to know me not only for my playing but also for my compositions," he says. "It was a matter of timing."
Growing up, Pasqua's first musical experiences involved playing in trios. "The core of everything is piano, bass, and drums," he explains. "But for this record, I wanted to augment the trio." He couldn't have chosen better musicians to help him do that. Based around the rhythm section of bassist Dave Holland and drummer Paul Motian, Pasqua adds the voices of Randy Brecker on trumpet, Michael Brecker on soprano an tenor, and Gary Bartz on alto.
Out of Pasqua"s melting pot of influences, he has cooked up some unique flavors on these nine tracks: except for "Dedicated to You," all are compositions of his own. Listen, for example, to "Mr. Softee," a model of straight-ahead trio playing with strong supple support by Holland and Motian over Pasqua's minor vamp, or "Homage," where he explores some innovative harmonic ideas. "San Michele," inspired by an accidental visit to composer Igor Stravinsky's grave while on a trip to Venice, combines a melodic classical structure with modal influences. Listen, too, to Pasqua’s eclectic compositional prowess in "Ellingtonia” -- a rich, swinging ensemble tribute to the Duke, featuring some chop-busting solos by Gary Bartz and Randy Brecker.
"It was a labor of love and joy," Pasqua says of this recording -- and that joy shines through on every track.
-- Joshua Rosenbaum
The music on this disc is my offering of thanks and gratitude. It is dedicated to our elders, our youth, the great jazz composers who have influenced and inspired me, as well as their classical counterparts, our Native American brothers and sisters, our Creator, and, last but not least, it is dedicated to you, the listener.
Many thanks to Ralph Simon and Sibyl Golden of Postcards, Inc., for allowing me to carry the torch . . .it is an honor. Thanks also to Joe Barbaria for his great ears and great vibe; to Dave, Paul, Randy, Gary, and Mike for their sensitive and insightful musical contributions and for their loving spirit; to Carter Schuld, Avery Burdette, Susan Davies, and Eric Johnson of Yamaha for their generous support and for providing me with a world-class piano; to Tom Sheehan for his impeccable tunings; and to brother Michael for suggesting the title of this disc. Much love to Kathleen, to Mom and Dad, and to all of my family. Finally, to Father Jazz, my deepest gratitude for giving me the gift of music, and the peace and joy it brings.
-- Alan Pasqua
ARKADIA JAZZ