JazzTimes Jan/Feb '11

Jan/Feb '11 JazzTimes

 "Exhilarating.....exceptional work throughout."

Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes writes a sterling review on Two Shades of Nude in this month's Jan/Feb 2011 issue:

“A former Mingus Big Band member and Eddie Palmieri sideman, trombonist-composer-arranger Doug Beavers assembled a fine New York crew for his second outing as leader.  There are several fine originals here: the exhilarating title track; “Lapse,” a beautiful ballad feature for pianist Henry Hey; the brooding, suitelike “Brink”; and the dynamic “Scurry,” featuring some heated exchanges between trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas.  But the nonet also turns in thoughtful reinventions of Clare Fischer’s “Pensativa,” Chick Corea’s “Gemini,” Tony Williams’ “Hand Jive” and McCoy Tyner’s “Blues on the Corner.”  Exceptional work throughout.”

-Bill Milkowski 

Allmusic.com "Highly Recommended"

Trombonist Doug Beavers delivers a mix of tasty originals and potent arrangements of familiar jazz works in his second Origin release. Rich horn charts and robust solos highlight his interpretation of Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bedtime Story," with the use of electric piano and electric bass lightening the sound just a bit. He reharmonized Clare Fischer's Latin gem "Pensativa," putting much of the emphasis on the rich ensemble sections, though trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaass deliver sterling solos. McCoy Tyner's "Blues on the Corner" hasn't been recorded very frequently, but Beavers' spirited reworking stretches its boundaries, showcasing brilliant solos by Sipiagin, and leader and bassist Boris Koslov. Beavers' compositions are also memorable. "Two Shades of Nude" blends a simple four-note theme with a brisk post-bop undercurrent, featuring a driving piano solo by Henry Hey. There's no mistaking the gloomy, troubled mood of "Brink," an emotional piece that builds into an intense midsection before quietly returning to its initial brooding setting. Highly recommended.

-Ken Dryden, allmusic.com

#1 on Top Ten Albums of 2010 - Jazz Junction Review w/Rick Erben

Rick Erben of Jazz JunctionDoug Beavers 9 – Two Shades of Nude – Origin Records 82574

Trombonist Doug Beavers has released an outstanding album that features spirited arrangements and soloing upon original compositions as well as music from other jazz composers. In Phil Woods parlance, this is a “little big band” as the instrumentation achieves a rich tonal pallet, sounding both tight and loose at the same time. Beavers has played in the Mingus Big Band and toured with Eddie Palmieri; and has found inspiration in the works of Mahler, Ravel and Rimsky-Korsakov in pursuing his love of writing for symphonies and large ensembles. This is his second leadership effort and a gem – my pick for top album of the year.

The opener and title track sets the standard for the album with a brisk rhythm upon which the horn section is superimposed in a more relaxed yet sailing melody into which pianist Henry Hey adds an exhilarating solo, followed by Beavers' mellifluous trombone. Herbie Hancock's too infrequently played “Tell Me A Bedtime Story” is amped -up with a Latin beat about the exquisite voicings of flute, flugelhorn, tenor and 'bones. Conversely, the rhythmic burner is turned down a notch for Claire Fischer's “Pensativa” featuring Sipiagin's flugelhorn work. Tony Williams' “Hand Jive” has sharp ensemble playing with Koslov's solid bass work propelling the musical action. Beavers originals comprise approximately half of the album and include the Kenton-esque “Scurry” and more reflective “Brink”. 

Throughout this fine release there is a rewarding sense deriving from the exquisite arranging that is every bit as integral to the recording as solo sections. Beavers' warm trombone sound and well-constructed solos provide the centerpiece for an album that is a veritable feast of listening satisfaction. 

-Rick Erben

"Jazz Scan" Blog with Ric Bang: "A First-Class Release"

Several years ago, trombonist/composter/arranger Doug Beavers released his excellent debut album: Jazz, Baby, a compilation of children’s tunes, rearranged in a big band jazz format. Two Shades Of Nude, his sophomore release, illustrates how far he has advanced in the interim. 

Beavers’ instrumental skills continue to be exceptional, and his talents as a composer and arranger have improved remarkably. He’s working with a nonet on this release; he composed four of the nine tracks and arranged all of them.

This is a much more “modern”-sounding group than that used on his first album. The result is a combination of symphonic ensemble melodic lines and rhythms that move into free-jazz treatment during the solo passages. The covers are by Herbie Hancock (“Tell Me A Bedtime Story”), Chick Corea (“Gemini”), McCoy Tyner (“Blues On The Corner”), Tony Williams (“Hand Jive”) and Clare Fischer (“Pensativa”); all are mid-tempo tunes that swing nicely and feature creative solo passages. 

Beavers’ originals are more complex and “serious.” “Lapse,” a poignant ballad featuring pianist Henry Hey, is one of the prettiest tunes I’ve heard in a long time. 

The album’s liner notes include a key quote: “Players have to be musicians of the first order, who can read anything that’s put in front of them, while always swinging.” The artists here have that capability, and the result is a first-class release.

-Ric Bang, jazzscan.com blog

Jazz Society of Oregon - Review

Kyle O'Brien - Jazz Society of OregonTwo Shades of Nude, Doug Beavers 9. 

Trombonist Beavers is known for being a member of the Mingus Big Band and also for his association with Eddie Palmieri. On his second disc as a leader and composer, Beavers leads eight other fine musicians through a disc of originals and tightly arranged covers. It's a small, modern jazz big band that tackles the music with verve. The title track shows off Beavers' fortitude as a composer. Its long note theme soars over a bubbling bop, and his soloing is clear and inspired. When he arranges the tunes of others, they are full of life, as on the Latin version of Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" and the wonderfully orchestrated version of Chick Corea's "Gemini," which is mostly horns and accented rhythm. Beavers has found his voice, and this group enables him to keep a hand in both the small group and big band worlds in which he seems to thrive.

Kyle O'Brien