Rating: 3 Pulses
On his album The Uncertain Adventures of Jace K Seavers, Seavers has achieved the unthinkable?a jazz album with insightful lyrics as well as great music.
His lyrics are ripe with historical references, and his voice is smooth and brimming with jaded confidence.
Throughout the album, Seavers croons away on subjects like Joan of Arc, King Arthur, Marc Antony and Mt. Vesuvius. The melodies are masterfully crafted and soar nicely as the musicians create an atmosphere of pure jazzy relaxation.
Along with his great lyrics and compositions, Seavers also must be recognized for his great song titles, my personal favorite being “Of the Tomorrow We Wait For.”
On The Uncertain Adventures, Seavers is accompanied by a handful of brilliant musicians. Saxophonist Jim Hoke provides the highlights for a number of the songs, most notably his nimbly fingered solos on “Caravan of Thieves.” Jack Silverman provides the electric guitar sound, and shows his mad skills on “Holding Back the Sea.” Jeff Wald provides the drums for four of the five songs, and on “Caravan of Thieves” he shows what makes jazz music so intriguing. After a delicious 30-second bass intro by Seavers, Wald kicks off with a frenzied drumbeat that hinges on disaster. But the musicians hold it all together to provide one of the strongest tracks on the album.
Seavers saves his boldest statement for last on this album, with “God and Superman,” where Seavers boasts that there is no need for either of them. Pour Seavers another drink, because he may be one of the most jaded songwriters in the local jazz scene.
If there is anything critical to say about this album, it’s that it ends too quickly. Each of the five songs is wonderfully arranged, the vocals and melodies are brilliant, but 21 minutes is just enough to make you want more. Before you can finish your second cocktail, the album is finishing. But all that means is that you will start it over once again, escape into the world that only jazz can create, and groove for another 21 minutes.