Mitch Seidman: How 'Bout It?

If you could thank those who have had a huge impact on your life, how would you go about doing so? On “How ‘Bout It?”, Mitch Seidman found a way, by paying homage to those significant individuals who have played a major role in his development as a jazz guitar player.

Players like Jimmy Raney, Tal Farlow, Jim Hall, Django Reinhardt, Rene Thomas, Kenny Burrell and Mitch’s old friend and mentor, Attila Zoller have all influenced Seidman in ways that thankfully, he expresses in musical homogeny throughout this CD. And he does so marvelously as he explores the direct influence that each of these players have had on his playing.

But this is not an album that attempts to imitate or impersonate. Rather, Seidman acknowledges their influence and distinct uniqueness through their compositions, which proves to be a surprising lesson in the spirit of each player featured.

Eight out of the nine compositions on the CD come from the aforementioned players, with the title track penned by Seidman himself. In this way, Seidman gets to celebrate each player through their own tunes while rounding out each tune with his own unique instrumental voice.

Seidman’s playing is full of rich melodic ideas and like Jim Hall, I found that he has a very compositional approach to improvisation. Case in point is Hall’s tune “Echo”, a “smiling clever blues” which retains the spirit of Jim Hall while clearly showcasing Seidman’s immersion in both the traditional and modern concepts of harmonic and melodic invention. Yet, it is definitely Mitch Seidman you hear, not a watered down version of what Jim might have played.

And there’s more where that came from. Just check out any tune on the CD to hear solid, graceful, and fluid melodic ideas that not only speak of an unmistakable knowledge of the jazz language and its history, but also of a sensitivity born out of the compositional intent of each tune. I get the feeling that Seidman took to these tunes like they were his own, which to me is indisputable praise to the lasting effect that these players have had on his musical consciousness.

And if that isn’t enough for you to quickly add this CD to your collection, how about a killer rhythm section that complements Seidman’s musical excursions to a tee? Paul Del Nero and Luther Gray, bass and drums respectively, provide the rhythmic element that propels the music forward with what you expect from top seasoned players. And Mark Shilansky, piano, proves to be a potent musical ally as he communicates a perceptive and very impressive improvisational and comping facility on each tune.

The result is a highly enjoyable CD that captures the essence and excellence of eight outstanding and influential jazz artists, Mitch Seidman among them.

Go to www.mitchseidman.com to purchase "How 'Bout It?" or to see what else Mitch Seidman has to offer.

Lyle Robinson