MUSIC

Notes and tones: Drummer Jared Schonig offers 'Two Takes' on his music

By Jon W. Poses
"Two Takes: Vol. 1: Quintet"

It’s nice to be pleasantly surprised when bright moments arrive from different, unanticipated musical corners. Such is the case with drummer Jared Schonig’s quite ambitious, recently-released companion discs: “Two Takes: Vol 1: Quintet" and "Vol. 2: Big Band” (Anzig).

The Los Angeles native-turned-New Yorker decided to deliver both a small-group and large-ensemble disc, having many of his original compositions played in completely different contexts. “Two Takes” is not so much a double CD, but rather stands as two simultaneously-released discs with repertoire that is unquestionably interconnected.

In a brief video found on Bandcamp, Schonig, now a fixture on both the jazz and Broadway scenes, said he conceived the music and arrangements in the quintet setting. The drummer’s bandmates on “Vol. 1” — the small-group endeavor — boast some of today’s best younger, but already seasoned and in-demand, musicians.

The front line is comprised of trumpeter Marquis Hill and alto saxophonist Godwin Louis — both can be heard leading their own ensembles and contributing to many others’ groups; bassist Matt Clohesy’s discography has increased exponentially during the last several years. 

The quintet sounds tight-knit, in part, because of each musician’s measurable capability, but also because most of the participants have played alongside each other in overlapping permutations. Beyond that, Schonig has a personal relationship with all of them.

Rounding out the quintet is the exceptional pianist Luis Perdomo, a bandleader in his own right as well as the ongoing favorite of many others, such as saxophonists David Sanchez and Miguel Zenón.  

Among Schonig’s compositions heard in both settings are “White Out,” “Climb,” “NUTS” and “Gibbs St.” It’s fair to say that these, and the other Schonig-penned selections, sound original — they are anything but hackneyed. They put forth a range of pace from extroverted and energetic to thought-provoking.

There’s a great deal of ensemble work and interplay here, as well selections boasting engaging solos and much improvisation along the way. The quintet disc certainly underscores jazz’s true spirit and showcases the genre’s many musical characteristics.

"Two Takes: Vol. 2: Big Band"

“Two Takes: Vol. 2,” with much of its content mirroring “Vol. 1,” engages similarly. But as the parallel titles indicate, Schonig presents his music in a totally different context.

“My idea for the two records to be released together stemmed from the fact that a few people suggested that my music would be perfect in a big band context,” the drummer noted in an accompanying press release.

He adds: “I figured a few would, but never imagined that eight different tunes could work.”

On “Vol. 2,” Schonig engaged eight of today’s best arrangers or, as he says, “commissioned” them to parlay his small-group vision into a large ensemble panorama. He said he pretty much gave each arranger carte blanche to do what they wanted with his music.

“In some instances, the differences are pretty big on some of the tunes,” the drummer said on the Bandcamp video. “And on some tunes, it’s just an expanded vision of what I already had.” 

In one way or another, Schonig has previously interacted with the members of this formidable group. As for the large ensemble’s personnel, like the participating arrangers, it borders the impeccable. They represent a who’s who of instrumentalists, musicians with enormous track records as some of today’s best bandleaders as well as first-call artists in a setting such as this. 

Rather than have everyone play on every cut, Schonig said, “I wanted to involve as many people as I could in this familial setting. Longtime musical associates from college, more recent collaborations with great artists; the whole nine yards.”

Many involved in jazz gravitate to the music because it presents the possibility of seeing the democratic process in action. Coming across a project such as “Two Takes" is not only exciting, but also very real. 

Jon W. Poses is executive director of the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series. Reach him at jazznbsbl@socket.net.