Scioto by Andy Woodson

1997

MJBrady Published on: 11 Oct 2001

"On Scioto, we are hearing the endeavors of bassist Andy Woodard, both as a composer and performer, his bass playing skills are broad and varied, apparent in the styles of music that are present on this cd. He is supported by a long list of capable musicians, with practically a "new" line-up for each song, the music is mainly from a jazz foundation with certain songs bringing ample doses of progressive and fusion influences, these would prove to be the strongest songs on the cd for readers in this forum. Other songs bring a more tradional charted style of jazz, reminescent of Stan Getz, and early Miles Davis, though not as adventurous, these songs have a mellower vibe to them, offering laid back freestyled rhythms for the benefit of each players solo spots. Andy plays some very fluid upright bass, and when he shows his electric side he pays tribute to the greats(Jaco, Petrucci, Willis, etc) and shames no one. As his first cd, one can understand the want to express his multi-faceted musical tastes, yet the tunes are coming from opposite sides of the jazz realms and may seem to have some slow spots. My feelings are that Andy has made a statement as both a musician and composer on this cd, he has a bright future as both. After hearing the more adventurous songs on this cd, my tastes are hoping for more of the high energy complexity heard on the songs: Mad Cow, World of Wicker, and Monkey Island, on his next project. Here the compositions show some obvious progressive rock and fusion leanings, and standout from the rest of the cd as a whole. So to a promising new talent in the prog/fusion world say hello to Andy Woodson."

"The bass work of Andy Woodson glistens on the sophisticated 'Scioto'.

The best leaders inspire their charges, rarely seeking the spotlight for themselves. Uncommonly talented bassist Andy Woodson is such a leader .

Woodson just released his first album, Scioto. Though his work on acoustic and electric bass is always accomplished, his instrumental voice rarely takes the glory.

Instead, it is shared with 28 of Columbus' best jazz and blues makers. Saxophonists Jay Miglia, Michael Cox and Chris Burge, Pianists Erik Augis and Mark Flugge spark the album's sophisticated fire; a cadre of various others stoke it continuously.

Woodson's undeniable presence is the subtly unifying force, though. His trademark rich tone inhabits all eight selections; his nimble bass propels tunes such as "Three Days" marvelously. Beyond that, his taste and imagination shape the album's ambitious stylistic breadth.

"Mad Cow" aggressively sets the tone with it's mix of fusion, art rock (King Crimson is conjured ) and jazzy pop. Next, Woodson backs off with a large ensemble performance of the easy-swinging Latin piece "Everything and Nothing". Vaughn Wiester puts a bit of his Brazilian obsession to good practice in the warmly welcoming horn chart.

"The Den" finds Woodson, who composed all the tunes, in a reflective mood. It surely is a paean to the well-worn north-campus pub where he often performs. The song's uncommon grace and delicacy might surprise casual visitors to the bar.

"Monkey Island" is the leader's stab at New Orleans blues. It is elevated by guitarist John Boerstler and organist Tony Monoco. As always, Woodson draws the best out of his compadres. -Curtis Schieber, Columbus Dispatch, Sunday, June 22, 1997

Average Customer Review: