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Recording Reviews:
David Becker & Paul Wertico - Tuxedo Man
Los Angeles Jazz Scene
David Becker first became known as the guitarist-leader of the David Becker Tribune, a popular and inventive fusion band that was active during the 1980s and ’90s. Since then he has continued to grow as an improviser and has displayed impressive versatility.
Tuxedo Man is particularly unusual for (other than the title cut) it is a set of free improvisations by Becker and drummer-percussionist Paul Wertico. The duo had never played together before although they were familiar with each other’s music. The two musicians simply went into the studio and played. The five improvs include the one-chord jam “The Hunt,” a drum solo that sounds a bit like a train (“Crazy Time”), an assertive “Spiders On Drugs,” the funky and rockish “Cicadas & Beans,” and “The Catch” which alternates between two chords. In addition, “Tuxedo Man” is a peaceful ballad written in tribute to Becker’s late cat that has electronic wind sounds in the background. Becker plays acoustic and electric guitars, a guitar sitar and a synthesizer while Wertico utilizes a large assortment of percussion instruments.
The final selection, “All In Good Time” is quite unique for it is an overdub of all six selections which are heard at once. While the results are pretty free, the mellow playing of Becker on “Tuxedo Man” keeps things relatively calm. Somehow, it all works.
Tuxedo Man is available from www.gadrecords.pl.