Uri Caine - Toys

Uri Caine
Toys
jMT /Polydor KK (Japan) /Verve
1995

Personnel:
Uri Caine - piano
Don Byron - bass clarinet
Gary Thomas - flute, tenor sax
Dave Douglas - trumpet
Joshua Roseman - trombone
Ralph Peterson - drums
Dave Holland - bass

This is a tasty release by NYC by way of Phillie MVP Uri Caine. An all around solid player, this is a follow up to his debut, Sphere Music, and like it, has more than a nod to Monk in terms of idiosyncratic playfulness and attention to dynamics. A great ensemble is behind the sounds here, with everyone a distinct stylist in their own right.

The results are laudable. A mostly post-bop affair, there are flourishes of out there fun, such as the squonky piano/bass clarinet opening to the Herbie Hancock classic Cantaloupe Island, and the brash avant ditty I'm Meshugah For My Sugah (And My Sugah's Meshugah For Me), which clocks in at under 2 minutes and moves like a piece of quick cut movie music. The opener, Time Will Tell, has hints of a latin rhythmic gallop played oddly (in a good way).

This is however, easily digestible by a jazz neophyte or someone not wanting to be taken by the scruff of the neck. Herbal Blue is a delicate ballad carried by Caine and Holland's deft basswork. Holland also anchors the uptempo Or Truth?, allowing a lot of solid foundation for others as well as giving himself a brief solo showcasing his tasteful phrasing and warm tone. No one drops the ball on this one, and Caine shines admirably. His jazz meets classical training comes off well merged, and not so much like the third stream one might expect; it swings, but with hints of Mahler and Mozart in the mix. A little segue here, a ringing chord that just doesn't sound quite blue enough. Just enough to keep the listeren engaged.