ZACH BROCK AND TOM WRIGHT: Common Ground

Zach Brock and Tom Wright

Common Ground

© 2003 Redbelly Records (659057698724)

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Straight ahead jazz originals and covers with two violins in a classic jazz quintet setting.

tracks

1 Mr. Shah
2 Deadline City
3 You've Changed
4 'Long As You Know You're Living Yours
5 Momentum
6 Round Trip
7 Common Ground
8 Wallflower
9 Chick

notes

"Common Ground is an extraordinary recording. Zach Brock and Tom Wright, two jazz violinists performing out of the Chicago area, have put their bows together to make some of the most beautiful, vibrant new music this reviewer has heard in some time. Despite the existence of masters like Stephane Grappelli, Joe Venuti, and Stuff Smith, violin remains a criminally underrated instrument in jazz. Brock and Wright not only prove (if proof were needed) the value of violin as a jazz instrument, they also demonstrate its versatility. From the exquisitely bowed unison passages to the dynamic solos and pizzicato opening of the title track, Brock and Wright make full use of their instruments. In addition, they have plugged in their instruments, adding to their range and dynamics without resorting to gimmickry.
Of course, such an album would not be possible without an excellent rhythm section. Pianist Mike Kocour, bassist Mike Arnopol, and drummer Tom Hipskind are all at the top of their game, lending impeccable support to the leaders. Kocour in particular is a revelation. His solos crackle with energy. Arnopol and Hipskind’s interactions border on telepathy.
Most of the music on the disc was written by either Brock or Wright, although their choice of covers is revealing as well. There is a joyous version of Paquito D’Rivera’s “Chick”, as well as an excellent performance of Keith Jarrett’s “’Long As You Know You’re Living Yours.” In sum, this is a disc that deserves wide recognition. Definitely worth searching for."

Alexander M. Stern
Jazz Improv Magazine
Vol. 4, No. 3

"Your two-violin group is fantastic!"
Paquito D'Rivera, jazz/classical
clarinetist and composer

"The grooves are very inventive and the
playing is clean, exciting, innovative, and imaginative."
Cliff Colnot, jazz/classical composer, arranger, conductor

TOM WRIGHT
Tom grew up in Washington, D.C. listening to classical music and studying violin. The creative explosion of the sixties caught his ear and he learned guitar and the songs of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Frank Zappa, and the other seminal pop artists of the day. Also happening then were John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and by the late sixties the revolutionary Weather Report of Joe Zawinul.

With these influences to inspire him he played for ten years in the experimental rock group, Grits. In order to start a family he joined the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra as principal viola in 1980. He moved to Chicago after joining the Chicago Symphony in 1981. He has continued to work in many styles and is making his debut in jazz. A violinist and violist, Tom also plays guitar and mandolin. Along with his work in the orchestra viola section he has played guitar, mandolin, and electric violin with the orchestra.

ZACH BROCK
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1974, Zach was introduced to music at an early age by his parents. He left Lexington in 1992 to pursue his musical training in Chicago. Not long after leaving Lexington, Zach was studying and playing with critically acclaimed Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis. Since arriving in Chicago, Zach has performed with such notable local musicians as Von Freeman, William Russo, Johnny Frigo, Willie Pickens, Orbert Davis, Kurt Elling, Paul Wertico, and Patricia Barber. He recently debuted on Orbert Davis' latest recording, "Priority". His own CD, "Zach Brock & The Coffee Achievers", is available at CDBaby.

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  • Looking for something different. Common Ground is for you.
    author: John P. Greenspan

    Looking for something different but not too way out? Then Common Ground is for you. Two straight ahead jazz violinists with a good rhythm section provide for some enjoyable listening. I have played selections form Common Ground on my jazz show and got several favorable calls about it. Deadline City is a gas. John P. Greenspan Host of Good Morning Jazz KSFR 90.7 FM Santa Fe, New Mexico

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