| Jazz |
This eponymous album is the work of three musicians, and here’s what we know about it: Jon Hamar, associate professor of jazz and classical double bass, has just released a new album with the brilliant Dawn Clement and Steve Kovalcheck, aptly titled *Clement/ Kovalcheck/ Hamar*. As colleagues teaching at Metropolitan University and the University of Northern Colorado, the trio skillfully merges the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest with the rich musical heritage of Tennessee.
After reviewing this information, we are presented with a very “academic” album where nothing stands out—perfectly calibrated compositions and arrangements, which is likely the problem with this album: it lacks naturalness. As for the rest, the piano melodies will remind you of some classical music composers. It’s the kind of album we often receive from Europe and rarely from other regions. Dawn Clement is a pianist and singer, and this is probably where her melodic sense comes from, as well as her way of creating atmospheres that I personally find a bit bland, like the rest of the album, which I find rather flat and lacking in character.
The musician who inspired me the most on this album is undoubtedly the double bassist Jon Hamar. First of all, what caught my attention is the warm sound of his double bass, and then, upon listening more closely to his playing, it made me want to learn more and explore his discography. Using both his bow and fingers delicately on his bass, he brings depth that makes the whole album enjoyable to listen to. Thankfully so, because Steve Kovalcheck’s guitar playing, which is far too traditional, could have dissuaded me from listening beyond the first three tracks of this album. That’s just how it is—I’ve always had trouble with albums that are too traditional. But it must be said that these three musicians play perfectly, and I have no doubt about their teaching skills. Additionally, this is why I always listen to albums in full—it allows me to discover musicians, as I did here with the double bassist Jon Hamar.
This is an album to categorize as a “good” album, one that will mainly appeal to those of you who enjoy very “classic” jazz, which is pleasant to listen to, but nothing more.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 13th 2024
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Tracks:
Blind; Spirit Spin; Lazy Dragon; Paseo Del Mar; Hard Ball; Clarity; It’s About Time; The Meadow is an Ocean; Tomorrow Island; For Now; Tree Hugger.