jazzreview.com - Where People Talk About Jazz Since 1997

Register Login

03 May

Politico by Frank Glover

Frank Glover is a clarinetist, composer and arranger based in the USA. He has re-released an album that was originally self released in 2005. The album, Politico has been re-issued on the Owl Studios label. It is a contemporary jazz album with classical overtones. The compositions are finely textured, multi layered and sonically pleasing. There are six original compositions presented, the quartet is joined by a jazz orchestra for one song "Plastic Plants" and a string orchestra for another of the songs, "A Thousand Ships".

Glover plays clarinet with clean lines, a vibrato less tone and intriguing patterns. At fiery moments he takes an aggressive approach with a sound very close to a soprano sax, playing alla Bechet, Coltrane, Liebman and Lacy.

"Concierto Para Quarteto" is performed in three movements, effectively making this three songs, at least that’s how my cd player views it. The quartet gets free and fancy, with the rhythm section, led by pianist Steve Allee, following closely is Jack Helsley on bass and Bryson Kern drumming, providing abundant portions of swing, jazz groove and world music vibe. The concerto begins with a Spanish sounding acoustic bass intro, a romanceros. The band glides in and piano delicately lays down a melody of beautiful proportions. The clarinet takes over as lead instrument with a deep, hollow sound and guides the quartet from movement to movement with grace and sophistication.

The song "Plastic Plants" features the Studio Jazz Orchestra, the tune sounds strong, the arrangements are well done. The flow is one of shifting dynamics, start softly and build, take it down and rebuild. "A Thousand Ships" features strings, a contemporary sound with a dark feeling to it. Played out at the pace of a tall ship in irons, the clarinet rides on a high tide - plying gorgeous melodic notes that fade to black.

Additional Info

  • Artist / Group Name: Frank Glover
  • CD Title: Politico
  • Genre: Contemporary Jazz / Modern
  • Year Released: 2009
  • Reissue Original Release: 2005
  • Record Label: Owl
  • Tracks: One Way Ticket, Politico, The Last Blue Tang, Concierto Para Quarteto, Plastic Plants, A Thousand Ships
  • Musicians: Frank Glover (clarinet), Steve Allee (piano), Jack Helsley (bass), Bryson Kern (drums)
  • Rating: Three Stars
Rate this item
(0 votes)

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated.\n

1997 - 2013 © jazzreview.com. All rights reserved.

Top Desktop version