March 2010

Jason Adasiewicz's Rolldown
Varmint
Cuneiform Records

By Bill Milkowski

Vibraphonist-composer Jason Adasiewicz returns to the same avant-leaning territory he staked out on Rolldown’s eponymous debut in 2008. Comparisons to Dolphy’s Out to Lunch! are once again inevitable, particularly on “Green Grass” and the title track. There are bracing solo contributions from cornetist Josh Berman and pungent-toned alto saxophonist Aram Shelton, while bassist Jason Roebke and drummer Frank Rosaly provide lightly swinging momentum throughout. Highlights include “Punchbag” and the quirky “Dagger,” both featuring Shelton on clarinet, and a striking cover of Andrew Hill’s “The Griots.”