Nate Birkey Quintet - Ballads [CD]

'Nate Birkey, he of mysterious charisma, subtle gossamer trumpet lines and understated voice, hunches over the microphone and leans into his phrases, shutting out the world.' Josef Woodard, Los Angeles Times Nate Birkey's quiet but intense demeanor typifies an artist restlessly pursuing the evolution of his own musical personality. As composer, trumpeter and vocalist, he imbues warmth and broiling energy into his music, as heard in the July, 2001 releases, The Mennonite and Ballads. Birkey's subtle vocal and trumpet approach has often been compared to that of Chet Baker and Miles Davis respectively. A sound poised and assured, powerfully stark and spare, it creates an atmosphere at once solitary and electric. The success of 1998's Indelibly You pushed Birkey and his quintet to the forefront of the West Coast Jazz scene, performing at clubs and festivals throughout the region. They returned to the studio in 2001 with cohesiveness and familiarity wrought by hundreds of live performances. Hailing from various musical backgrounds, Jim Connoly again tackles stand up bass with poignant stability as drummer Cougar Estrada effectively propels the ensemble. Tenor saxophonist Justin Claveria and pianist Jamieson Trotter keep the quintet capable of quirk and combative with creativity. 'Certainly one of the hottest new groups on the scene is the Nate Birkey Quintet...Birkey's work on the trumpet has been honed to perfection, reflecting the influence of Miles Davis.' Bob Agnew, L.A. Jazz Scene.