by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide---
"Bassist Bryan Doherty's debut album opens with a bass groove vaguely reminiscent of something Jaco Pastorius might have done in Weather Report. Over the top of this, what sounds like a couple of horns (though there's only one sax player) lay out a thick melodic line that eventually moves into a groove. This is the pattern for much of the album -- grooves that build to full compositions that devolve back into grooves. In "No Mode," the bass riffs cascade around and over the top of what is otherwise a casual rhythm section, almost without destination. From quiet storm-style soul to fuzz-rock fusion, the band checks perfectly into a number of styles. Somewhere along the journey, though, Doherty's bass pops into the front spot. It's rare for a bassist to hold the podium as long as Doherty does here, but he generally makes it work. While the band can move through styles near and far, it's in the pieces more akin to a nightclub groove that the band, and Doherty, can really shine. A case in point is the bubbling bassline in "Cluj-Napoca," which bends the bass into something rarely heard, but entirely worth the price of admission."----
by Thomas R. Erdmann, Jazzreview----
"Chicago-based bassist Bryan Doherty makes his debut on Origin Records with Rigamarole. The recording, while containing a number of different styles of music all strongly reminiscent of music from other bandleaders (“Zigurat,” for example, would not be out of place paired with the milder music recorded by Chick Corea’s Return To Forever band), does have moments of individuality.
The strength of the recording lies in the rhythm section work between Doherty, drummer Michael Raynor of Von Freeman fame and percussionist Javier Saume. This trio crafts a strongly resilient and open-eared base from which the other musicians are able to hang the melodic and harmonic frame. As a bassist, Doherty’s lines support the melodies rather than create counterpoint to them, which is fine because all of the compositions are pleasantly tuneful. Raynor’s drum set playing is notably supple on tunes like “Around The Block In Glendale,” as he negotiates the piece’s turns and his chops really come through on “No Mode” and “Corned Beef.”
Tenor saxophonist Louis Stockwell of the Mulligan Mosaics Big Band and Chicago Jazz Ensemble has, at times, an unconventional tone that mixes well with John McLean’s guitar and Marcin Fahmy’s Fender Rhodes. Stockwell’s solos throughout show a penchant for dryness, preferring to work within the harmonic structure rather than extending it.
Guitarist John McLean, who has worked extensively with Patricia Barber, is featured at length on the sweetly rolling “Baby Nostradamus.” This almost smooth jazzish piece harkens back to a time in jazz, namely the 1970s, when beautiful playing was allowed to be a be-all and end-all in and of itself. His lines truly sing and he is one to certainly watch for in the future.
Marcin Fahmy’s keyboard playing is the picture of understatement. While he comes forward at times, as on the fusion themed “Corned Beef,” for the most part, his playing is tucked in the background and consists of sustained block chords. While this would be a negative on many recordings, it’s a positive here because he not only understands his role in these compositions, but also has great feeling in finding ways to balance the chordal duties with McLean’s aggressive playing. Overall, a respectable debut."
What up Bryan? U still in the Chi? I just been goin to school and stuff, finally about done. I took those two years off to stack some chedda. Still downtown by Herman crown center though.. If yall still around I'd love to come see a show r sumthin'.
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
Take care and keep in touch.
Best, Faber.
"Just a guy trying to make the world a better place. "
yo briguy! como esta? cual es nueve en su mundo babe? I'm having a party on july 4th and you, are, invited! it starts at 2pm and ends with me crying uncontrollably after i poop my pants.
Our first show back @ Morseland in over 3 months, are you ready? We’re working on a new album, so when you join the party on Saturday, June 21st 10pm, groove to the ? Take a look @ the video below, it sounds like HUDSON!
