The legendary jazz journalist Leonard Feather once wrote that Mike Fahn “is without question one of the few contemporary masters of the valve trombone." He further praised Mike for his “bronzed, burnished sound, technique and ideas to spare, with each note in the right place at the right instant." And indeed, heavyweights like Shorty Rogers, Maynard Ferguson and Andrew Hill have all called upon his prodigious talents. But virtuosity aside, Fahn's new CD, Close Your Eyes...and Listen for Sparky1 Productions powerfully indicates that Mike's extraordinary talents extend well beyond his instrumental skills.
Mostly featuring a quintet, anchored by a dynamic rhythm section of Charles Blenzig on piano and synthesizers, Tim Horner on drums, and longtime associate, Jay Anderson (who also produced the album) on bass; Mike shares the front line with either guitarist Steve Cardenas or tenorman Rick Margitza. The music covers a broad spectrum of styles without ever losing its continuity or central thematic unity.
Mike contributes two compositions co-written with his wife Mary Ann McSweeney, an excellent composer/bassist/leader in her own right. “The Burren" was inspired by beautiful cliffs they discovered while traveling together through Ireland. It features a lush and vibrant trombone choir, achieved through overdubbing of slide trombones, and calls to mind some of the delightful recordings by J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding; and “Get Sparky", an electric Miles-ish romper that features all six musicians, is highlighted by a sparkling duet between Fahn and Margitza. McSweeney also composed the opening piece, Without Changes, a deeply hued bossa nova that perfectly sets the tone for this highly evocative album.
Anderson augments his excellent bass work and production skills with two compositions as well. Will Call, a boppish up-tempo scorcher peppers fiery solos by Fahn and Margitza with collective improvisations by both hornmen; and “On Time", an easy swinger with a very pretty melody features a gently lyrical excursion by Cardenas, who also lays a subtle, but rhythmically insistent bed for Fahn
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