Richard Todd: With a Twist

Rubeda Canis Musica 12005

Playing Time: 55:27

Anthony Kershaw

It is quite rare that a great classical artist is as adept at jazz. The same may be said for a jazz musician with the classical style. After Friedrich Gulda, the Marsalis's, Keith Jarrett, and Chick Corea, the list of great mainstream players brilliant at both styles thins considerably. Moreover, these exemplary classical and jazz musicians play mainstream jazz instruments; piano, trumpet and sax. Well, along comes the great Californian classical hornist Richard Todd and adds his name and rare jazz instrumental voice to the list.

As principal horn of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and horn professor at USC, Todd would not be an obvious first choice for what should turn out to be one of the major jazz releases of the year! However, further investigation reveals that Todd has been busy in session work around L.A. for many years and has been playing jazz for nearly as long.

The twist in the title may be the jazz instrument of choice, but there is no twist in style or substance. This is mainstream jazz at its best. Todd and his wonderful group highlight superb arrangements, heard via ballads, originals, standards, and swing. And to add to the great occasion, there is some really good news: the essence of the french horn sound remains. On the rare occasion that I have heard jazz horn, the player tended to make the instrument sound fluegal-like, or, much worse, like a euphonium.Yuck! Nothing like that here.

Todd's classical training comes through in Monks' sublime 'Round Midnight, with great arching phrases that demand the utmost of his technique and breath control. In the catchy Central Avenue Strut, the players seem to be enjoying themselves immensely, and in Henry Mancini's poignant Days of Wine and Roses, Todd overdubs all four horn parts. Tour-de-force time! For audiophiles, this track is an amplifier test par excellence (the conical bore of the instrument makes its overtones particularly hair-raising to record). You'll need all your power for this one. As a whole, Frank Wolf has recorded a beauty, all clean lines, depth and sophistication. The recording quality is matched by the accompanying musicians, thirteen of the best in the west.

One of the perks of reviewing is the discovery of something new. There is nothing new in superb playing and recording, but with the unique solo instrument, all wrapped in the most tasteful arrangements, we do have something new. I discovered this album at the Canadian distributor's office. It had been in his player for several weeks. Excitedly, he said I could listen as long as I waited for a review copy, so sure was he that I would want it. How right he was. After some unbecoming whining on my part, he relented graciously and I left with the CD grasped firmly in hand. As such, I am so happy to report its brilliance to you. Grab it!

[You can learn more about this exceptional artist at www.richardtoddmusic.com -- Ed]