Paulsen, Peter
Square Peg, 2011, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 17.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Bassist Peter Paulson assemble a quintet with Chris Bacas (sax), Mike Frank (p), Dave Ballou (t) and drummer Chris Hanning. They perform a program of Paulsen originals and unique arrangements of work by Wayne Shorter and Kenny Werner. Peter bows his bass opening “You Said You’d Call” extracting warm tones before the band engages in this beautifully reflective tune. We liked the brass harmony on “‘Smatter” and the swinging groove of “Compensation”. While the tunes are centered on Peter’s bass work, the other musicians have space to shine and they seize the opportunities. Case in point: Ballou stretching out on “Plan B” and Hanning’s work on “Square Peg”. These two syncopated tunes are among the best in a strong set.
Publicist: Kate Smith Promotions of Chicago