Legacy Holder (Vision Ahead Music)
Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead
Released February 28, 2020
DownBeat Four-and-a-Half-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nOJMUtdCh_nHFBHhbTW8a1E–99P-r_jw
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/47MI4F5lMkbcDtsbZbKvoO?si=-LJ0AWxeQIaBNrJ2xQGbHA
About:
Every person has a
foundation. From that foundation comes the opportunity to create a narrative.
Having the ability to then share this narrative not only carries on a legacy, it
breaks down a wall of limitations and stigmas. For Barber, the true
significance of a legacy holder lies in the responsibility to lead through
action, and by example. Having now developed a decade-long professional career
in music, the 30 year old, Hartford, CT-native realises not only his ability,
but his duty to inspire and influence others, just as the generations that have
gone before continue to push his artistry and perspective forward.
“Understanding that you are able to help others through your experiences, you
have the ability to continue a lineage that is fruitful, and removes the path
that leads to exclusion and segregation,” the bandleader explains. “We all are
Legacy Holders. We must stand strong for the cause and assist in making change.
The continuation of unity or division relies on us.”
An eight-track collection of fresh, innovative, original material, Legacy
Holder demonstrates a continuous flow from start to finish, evocative of one
lengthy suite. The title track leads the listener into the mindset wherein
Barber sets aside a moment of reflection. Although “Legacy Holder” may be
labeled as a ballad, it reaches points of both intensity and subtlety.
Throughout, each musician significantly contributes to the sensitivity of the
track. Barber introduces the composition with a light march using brushes,
creating a mellow pulse beneath the simple, singable, relaxing melody.
Gradually building upon the foundation of Renfroe’s solo, the band reaches a
pinnacle point, establishing a groove wherein Louis and Gable trade choruses. A
beautiful conversation develops between alto saxophone and piano, and gives way
to the opportunity for each band member to reflect and bounce ideas off each
other. Overall, “Legacy Holder” exemplifies maturity and promise.
Track Listing:
1. The Call 02:37
2. Find My Way 06:31
3. Legacy Holder 06:06
4. Haikus 04:05
5. Major 05:55
6. Seconds & Seasons 08:15
7. Son of Hartford 04:34
8. 29 06:03
Personnel:
Jonathan Barber: drums
Taber Gable: keyboards
Andrew Renfroe: guitar
Godwin Louis: alto saxophone
Matt Dwonszyk: bass
Mar Vilaseca: vocals, piano (1)
Artwork & Design: Corey Pane
Review:
Jonathan Barber’s star has been on the rise since his auspicious 2018 debut, Vision Ahead, and a 2019 tour in Pat Metheny’s trio. The Hartford native’s sophomore release, Legacy Holder, more than fulfills his promise, showcasing powerfully slick drumming within the context of adventurous writing that bears the unmistakable influence of Atlantis-era Wayne Shorter.
The reflective title track highlights some fluid improvising by guitarist Andrew Renfroe and builds toward exhilarating heights through old-school trading of eights between pianist Taber Gable and pungent-toned altoist Godwin Louis. The runaway uptempo swinger “Major” is charged by Barber’s forward momentum on the kit in tandem with Matt Dwonszyk’s insistent walking bass lines. “Son Of Hartford” opens with Barber slamming against some angular arpeggiated unisons from Renfroe and Louis, recalling classic Mahavishnu Orchestra. If Barber is indeed a legacy holder, he’s continuing in a lineage of adventurous drummer-composers spanning Tony Williams and Terri Lyne Carrington. There’s an abundance of heightened energy and new ideas here, executed with pristine precision by the bandleader and his future-facing ensemble.
Bill Milkowski (DownBeat)
