David Sanchez at the Jazz Bakery
by jazzcat on Oct.11, 2004, under News
David Sanchez is a very calm, very peaceful and very soulful
cat. While being strong and sublimely confident, the conversation in his
playing is very warm and inviting. The rim of his silver toned tenor gleams in
the light as he rolls out a sound that preaches speeches to an audience who
sits in awe with ears wide open. Each player takes the proverbial podium and
tells a story that affirms the leaders phrases.
Thoughts, conversation and passionate expression leads to
ideas and new ways of thinking and playing. Cognitively stimulating music
forces one not to listen casually but, to become an active participant in the
music. This is the type of dynamic sound that David and his band of outstanding
players believe in. Organic and true to the spirit of creative communication!
On piano, Edsel Gomez has such a wonderfully delicate touch. His melodic sound
is a true expression of his peaceful being. I met him the night before at a
birthday party /jam session for author, writer and jazz critic Scott Yanow and
was looking forward to hearing his sound. Hans Glawischnig had a solid and
soulful sound on the bass. I felt such a responsibility in his is playing,
destine and committed to provide the perfect bottom for this band. Henry Cole’s
entire body was involved with every beat of his drums. Fully engaged in the
cohesive timing and phrasing of each player.
Odd rhythms, beats and measures made David sound like a poet
reciting poems instantaneously like a cool cat from the sixties with a beret, a
goatee and in possession of some widely used illegal substance making such
sense with his rhythmic lyrical swagger. I so honor and admire an artist who
doesn’t focus on the norm but, sways and spins the music to entice more thought
and consciousness about all the possibilities in life.
His voice could be a whisper or it can stand up and shout
but, the point is always expressed beautifully. “Peace” is one of the beautiful
tunes he performed by one of his favorite Brazilian composers. David has a new
disc on the Sony label called “Coral” and some critics say that it aspires to
be his most ambitious recording yet. The disc was recorded in Prague with the Prague Philharmonic who took
the music to a whole new level. David said that is was such a pleasure working
with musicians who were not necessarily jazz musicians. They were more trained
in the Classical tradition but, the fusion of the two genres was marvelous.
Performing mostly pieces from the new disc “Coral”, this
multi-grammy nominated artist played interestingly composed pieces but, also
laid down some ballads to die for. Like lying down in a sun warmed stream of
caressing water looking up at a blue sky and feeling miraculously at peace with
the world. David’s rhythm section can make you feel intoxicatingly dreamy with
visions and themes of romantic love surrounding you. These guys have heart. Yes
the sensitive kind as well as the kind that it takes to exist in anywhere
toward the higher echelon of the jazz food chain. When you listen, it’s like a
slow burn. You don’t get doused with kerosene and lit, it is more like you get
seasoned and roasted so that the flavor stays and taste delicious.
From soaring and fleeting wails to hauntingly mesmerizing
vamps, David and his quartet were the Crem in the Burle, the raspberry in the
sauce, the Truffle in the chocolate and a noticeable welcoming difference in
jazz music.
LeRoy Downs