Roland Guerin: The Winds of the New Land

Bassist Guerin’s debut as a leader includes a stellar and often fiery cast: trumpeter Nicholas Payton, guitarist Mark Whitfield, pianist Peter Martin and a superb drummer who is new to me, Donald Edwards. The playing is better than average throughout, although the leader’s ten tunes are less memorable than the performances. Guerin begins with a slapped bass piece called “Slap Happy” (shades of Milt Hinton) and ends with another bass feature called “Visions,” wherein he suggests Charlie Haden. The bassist, a graduate of Alvin Batiste’s jazz program at Southern University, has performed with the Marsalises, Marcus Roberts, Donald Harrison, Monty Alexander and the late Gerry Mulligan, among others.

Originally Published May 1, 1998