An album emerging from diverse musical and generational backgrounds, “Together” is an inviting release from renowned drummer Karl Latham and fast rising New York area musicians pianist Alex Collins and bassist Ryan Berg. “Together” created from live streaming events, presents spirited explorations with creative soaring solos, stunning introductions and constant interplay.
The release features timeless jazz standards revealed in a contemporary perspective. Alex Collins’ enchanting introduction to “Stella by Starlight” settles the listener into a place to experience an adventurous set of jazz standards, filled with conversational interplay and technical mastery. “Alone Together” opens with a playful straight 8th note introduction by drummer Karl Latham, which leads quickly into a high tempo exploration of many motifs found in this beloved composition. Bassist Ryan Berg sets “On Green Dolphin Street” to a swinging inviting medium tempo bounce. Collins provides a captivating respite with his introduction to the Van Heusen Classic “Polka Dots and Moon Beams”. “Night Dreamer” is set close to the original Wayne Shorter incantation. The recording closes with some of the release’s most spirited interplay and dynamic technical flourishes on an up tempo reading of the timeless classic “Invitation”.
- Alex Collins is a New York City pianist, composer and arranger, performing with Michelle Coltrane; Gerry Gibbs on his #1 record, Weather or Not (2017) and Our People (June 2019). Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars; Lenny White; Lonnie Plaxico,and Ronnie Burrage. Alex received the Wynton Kelly Jazz Foundation Award for Jazz Achievement (2003).
- Ryan Berg has made himself a staple on the New York jazz scene performing with Gregory Porter, Mark Whitfield, Lindsey Webster, JD Allen, Jeff Coffin, Lenny White, Rashid Ali, Gerald Clayton, Logan Richardson, The Brianna Thomas Band, and Frank Lacy Sextet.
- Karl Latham has appeared internationally in a variety of musical styles with artists including John Lee Quartet; Bernie Worrell; Mark Egan Unit1; The Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars; Jerry Vivino; Andy Snitzer; Wolfgang Lackerschmid; Johannes Mossinger; Ali Ryerson; Howard Paul; and Don Braden/Karl Latham Big Funk. Karl is listed in DrummerWorld “Top” Drummers Lists; Latham/Carniaux/Egan “Constellations” 2016 BMW Welt Jazz Award selection; The Best Jazz of 2013/2015 35th/37th Annual Jazz Station Polls: 2013 Drums: #7, 2015 Drums: #5.
To be featured on World of Jazz 447 – 25th July 2021
Different Noises 