Bob Stabach, a “local treasure,” to release his first jazz recording as a leader
On Sunday April 27, at 7:00 PM, Bob Stabach will be celebrating the release of his first jazz CD as a leader. The project, entitled “Light Forms” has been a labor of love for Stabach and his working quartet who include Stabach on saxophone, Eugene Uman on piano, George Kaye on bass and Jon Fisher on drums; the group has been playing together for about 5 years. They have been a kind of “house band” at arts presenter, Wendy Redlinger’s home where she has graciously offered the quartet and other high-level artists an opportunity to present their music in a great sounding, comfortable, welcoming space with a fine acoustic piano. For jazz musicians, Wendy’s Soirees attract a dream audience: listeners who thrive on hearing new compositions and observing the creative process in action. Bob has chosen to release his CD at Wendy’s because her home has been the workshop space where much of the music, now etched on his brand-new recording, was performed for the first time. The concert begins at 7:00; all are welcome to a 6:00 community potluck to meet and greet the artists.
Bob’s compositions are extremely well conceived, they are concise reflections of his ability to listen deeply and create on a very advanced level. He is quite prolific: the working quartet can expect to be handed a freshly written tune at virtually every concert they play. Stabach’s inspiration often comes from deep within; he is a seasoned meditator who allows ideas to unfold at their natural pace. Stabach is influenced by other composers who value “space” and introspection and is a big fan of the music produced by the Munich based ECM record label. When listening to his new CD, Light Forms and at any of his gigs, one will hear sounds that are spacious and meditative. But, Bob’s music is varied, he is deep into the funk and has a particular affinity for the music of John Coltrane. When caught live, the band’s repertoire will always include several burning swing tunes. Some of his own compositions are like volcanoes threatening to erupt (some do). Bob’s ability to compose detail-oriented music that embraces contemplative sounds, world music and jazz has led to the creation of an appealing repertoire that deserves to be heard. Furthermore, at 70 years, Stabach is playing at the top of his game.
The musicians performing at this concert will be the same that appear on the album. All compositions are written by Bob Stabach who has been playing sax for over 50 years and has a soulful, seasoned jazz style. The 4tet has been playing together for nearly 10 years in various configurations. The CD project was a year and a half in the making.
Here is Bob’s description of the songs from the recording: The opening song for the album, “Blues Day,” has a funky feeling to it. “The Stoneroller” follows with a medium groove fusion style. “Crystaluminous” is an upbeat fusion groove with a lyric melody followed by “Amongst Ancient Bones” a 5/4 groove. “The Night and the Child” opens with a medium slow straight eight feeling segueing into a Latin middle section. The haunting balled “If They Only Had A Dream” is moody and introspective, while “The Center Of The Point” is medium-paced swing tune. The CD closes with a fast Latin called “Visions.” Bob says “the CD is like a snapshot of his on-going musical process, a document of where we are at this point in time. Hopefully the process will continue to grow and evolve.”
Eugene Uman says: “it’s time for more listeners to be aware of the high caliber of Bob Stabach’s writing and musicianship. I consider his jazz compositions to be world class. This is no joke, we’ve got a jewel in our midst who deserves to be heard. I think if someone like Branford Marsalis or Chris Potter recorded Stabach’s material and it was distributed to jazz lovers around the world, his abilities would be instantly acclaimed. His tunes are so hip and relevant! The thing is, Bob is a truly humble man who has chosen to live his life simply, away from the hustle and busyness of the modern world. We in the Southern Vermont area should value and acknowledge his contributions. In Japan, Australia, Thailand, France, Korea and other countries, there is a system in place to honor and compensate mature artists: they are recognized as “Living Human Treasure.” I believe that Bob Stabach is deserving of this honor.”
The Bob Stabach Quartet CD release concert at Wendy Redlinger’s will be held at 7:00 PM at her home at 2596 Tater Land, Guilford, VT. To reserve seats or for directions call Wendy at 802 254 6189. The cost of the concert is $15; CDs can be purchased at a special price of $5 the evening of the performance only. Seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. If you are unable to attend the concert, the Bob Stabach’s new CD, Light Forms is available for purchase at the Vermont Jazz Center for $15.00 (add $3.00 for shipping). Call and leave a message for Ginger at 802 254 9088, ext. 4.
