Evan Arntzen - Countermelody (2021)

Evan Arntzen, renowned multireedist, vocalist bandleader, presents his third album as a bandleader, Countermelody. This uplifting new release is a celebration of the interplay, collective improvisation and soulful counterpoint of the interplay, collective improvisation and soulful counterpoint that played such a big role in Black American Music emanating from New Orleans in the first half od the 20th century. During a time when convening is all but the impossible, Countermelody brings the gaiety of live music to the recorded realm.

Countermelody bring early-jazz-exuberance to an eager present in a release which author Louis Armstrong historian, Ricky Riccardi, calls “the very definition of timeless” in the album’s liner notes. Arntzen’s Dot Time Records debut features many of his own astounding arrangements of early New Orleans and Chicago Jazz compositions writteb by such luminaries as Kid Ory, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet and Bennie Moten. The release also features wonderfully innovative compositions by Arntzen, Halloran and Kellso. Aside from thirteen hi-fidelity tracks, listeners will also be treated to tracks that were recorded to wax cylinder, a medium that actually prefates when much of this music was composed.

Band Members:Evan Arntzen – reeds, voice / Jon-Erik Kellso – trumpet / Mike Davis – trumpet / Charlie Halloran – trombone Arnt Arntzen – guitar, banjo / Dalton Ridenhour – piano / Tal Ronen – bass / Mark Mclean – drums. Special Guest – Catherine Russel – vocals.