Trombonist
Ron Westray has performed with illustrious ensembles such as the
Mingus Big Band, New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The
Wynton Marsalis Septet, Irving Mayfield, The New Orleans Jazz
Orchestra, and the Marcus Roberts Ensemble. He is currently an
Associate Professor at York University (Toronto, CA) and also serves
as the Oscar Peterson Chair in Jazz Performance.
At his label Blue Canoe are listed his solo projects Jimi Jazz,
Live From Austin, Medical Cures For The Chromatic Commands Of The
Inner City and Magisteria. This CD features as
additional musicians Matt Rait (guitar), Ross MacIntyre (bass),
Anthony Michelli (drums), and Richard Whiteman (fender rhodes). Ron
has produced, composed and performed this album. The album presents
overall short pieces, in Toto overwhelming twenty tracks.
Ron plays his instrument with a nonchalance
and speed that impressed. On Eureka stand him his
sidemen in every way. A grandiose happening. On Nemesis
8, I feel a certain resemblance to the music of Jeff
Bradshaw. Who copied who, however, I can not say. Nemesis 2
introduces us in the excellence of Ron's technique, which
Richard Whiteman opposes an impressive solo on the Fender
Rhodes.
With the mellow Deep Breath Ron
allows a relaxed attitude. Write it on the dream amount. He also
takes the slow train on Nemesis 11. The very short
interlude Silent Woo stays in context with the previous
tune. What a Guy can be relate on all musicians in an
applauding way.
Nemesis 10 is a short bass and HiHat
take. On Nemesis 4 Ron leaves the beaten track of the
pentatonic scale. Jazz is just more freedom.