Short Tracks: Dan Weiss- Even Odds

Drummer, composer, and bandleader  Dan Weiss has delivered twenty challenging compositions for his Cygnus Recordings album, Even Odds. Out now, the album features Matt Mitchell on piano and Miguel Zenon on alto sav. Given the acumen of this three-person band, one would expect a fascinating album. “it Is What It Is,” the opening song on the album, exceeds expectations. Weiss’ drumming is powerful and nuanced. Mitchell and Zenon’s interaction is equally captivating.

The album, combining compositional and improvised songs, showcases Weiss’ high-wire walking style with more traditional arranging approaches. Songs, some of which are concepts Weiss throws out to the band and developed for the album, evoke several emotions, yet all have an enchanting core.

“The Childres Of Uvalde” captures the title's theme with the respect and power it deserves. Zenon’s solo is melodically rich, while Weiss’ ride and snare work is tricky yet complements the song’s melodic core. “Recover the Mindset” is a terrific and brief rhythmic spellbinding workout. “Five To Nine” evokes more traditional jazz standards. Yet, the rhythmic interplay between Weiss, Zenon, and Mitchell creates a flight of fancy, which leaves the listener wondering where the composition is going yet being very grateful for the ride.

Even Odds is a motif that ran through Weiss’ writing and arranging of the album. The songs are daring, pushing the three musicians to explore the essence of each composition and leaving the listener to listen to the album repeatedly to discover what was missed in the prior listen. Even in the jazz world, that’s an unusual trait and testament to Weiss’ musicianship and musical daring. Dan Weiss trio is on tour now and the album available via Bandcamp.