Relax & Take It Easy

Description

As one reviewer wrote: “In a contemporary jazz climate frequently dominated by frantic tempos and dense, clinical pyrotechnics, there is something profoundly radical about an artist who dares to simply breathe. On “Relax & Take It Easy,” the third selection from trumpeter-composer Rich Willey’s commendable album *Laid Back, Vol. 1*, the listener is treated to an exquisite, eight-minute-and-twelve-second clinic on the power of understated elegance, rhythmic poise, and sophisticated soul.

The track operates as a beautiful testament to Willey’s compositional philosophy, but it is elevated to an even higher plane here by the brilliant pen of arranger Wally Minko. Minko has dipped Willey’s strong, memorable melody into a lush, mellow inkwell reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most sublime balladry—think “That’s the Way of the World” cross-pollinated with mainstream jazz sensibilities. Under the watchful and discerning eye of producer Carey Deadman, the recording session yields a sonic warmth that perfectly matches the composition’s title. Deadman ensures that every nuance of Minko’s clever, soulful orchestration is captured with pristine clarity, allowing the tune to unfold with a natural, unhurried grace.

Providing the indispensable velvet cushion for this performance is an exceptionally disciplined rhythm section. Guitarist Felton Offard offers a series of sparse, shimmering chords that hang beautifully in the air, while keyboardist Paul Mutzabaugh injects sophisticated harmonic commentary. Anchoring the pulse with a gentle yet unwavering authority are bassist Chuck Webb and drummer Charles Heath, who together demonstrate that a deep, R&B-inflected pocket does not require athleticism, only an impeccable sense of shared time.

After a lush, nostalgic introduction reminiscent of “Spring Is Here,” setting a sophisticated tone before settling into a breezy melody, the solo order provides a marvelous study in brass contrasts. Steve Duncan leads the solo section with a masterclass in trombone playing—his tone is pristine and his melodic statements are both clean and expertly executed, navigating the changes with effortless grace. Duncan navigates the harmonic terrain with a supple, lyrical fluidity that sets a remarkably high standard for what is to follow. He handles the horn with a vocal ease, building a beautifully paced narrative before handing the baton to the leader. Rich Willey’s trumpet entrance is a model of economy and taste; he values space as much as the notes themselves, building a singing line that feels entirely spontaneous yet architecturally sound.

Just when the listener expects a straightforward return to the theme, Minko treats us to a compositional masterstroke: a clever, tightly knit soli section. Cooked up with intricate precision, this passage allows the horns to execute a tight, unified dance over the rhythm section’s cushion, re-energizing the track’s momentum just before the final melody statement gently tucks the listener in.

”Relax & Take It Easy” is a triumph of mood, writing, and execution. It reminds us that jazz can be intellectually engaging to the musician while remaining completely hospitable to the ear. For those seeking refuge from the frantic pace of modern life, this track offers the perfect antidote.”