Memphis-bred bassist Stephan Crump is among the latest generation of up-and-coming players on the NYC jazz scene. As a sideman with mainstream jazz stars, downtown explorers, singer/songwriters and others, he has become known for the elegance and purposeful groove of his acoustic and electric bass playing. Now, at the helm of his own group with the release of Tuckahoe, Crump reveals himself to be a wonderfully soulful, evocative and melodic composer as well.
Tuckahoe melds the earthy blues and R&B of his hometown, infectious Latin rhythms and gospel warmth in an instrumental jazz context. The strong cast of Crump's peers consists of tenor saxophonist Chris Cheek (w/Paul Motian), alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon (w/David Sanchez, the Either/Orchestra), guitarist Jamie Fox (w/Joan Baez, Jack McDuff) and drummer Dan Rieser (w/Marcy Playground, Luciana Souza, Bert Seager). Cheek is a unique new voice on his instrument, a searching, passionate player who refuses to fall into the clichés his formidable technique would allow him to reproduce; Zenon is an exceptionally fluent player from San Juan who has been turning heads on the road with David Sanchez; Fox, Rieser and Crump infuse the album's many grooves and moods with originality, conviction and joy.
