March 2004

Garrison Fewell Quartet
Red Door Number 11
Splasc(H)

By Jim Ferguson

Red Door Number 11 (Splasch), the most recent release by Berklee professor Garrison Fewell, is an international affair that features Fewell alongside pianist George Cables as well as with Italian jazz-scene veterans bassist Attilio Zanchi and drummer Gianni Cazzola. While mostly stationed in mainstream jazz guitar, Fewell can feature a progressive approach that focuses on melody and musicianship, something that's particularly evident on the title track, an original ballad. Cables contributes one tune, "Spookarella," a slightly eerie waltz that provides a vehicle for not only some beautifully deft keyboard work but also a healthy serving of lyrical guitar playing. Rounding out the program is an assortment of standards, including "How Deep Is the Ocean?" and "You're My Everything," both of which demonstrate that Fewell's thoughtful but fluid improvising translates equally well to brighter tempos.