Vincent Chancey with Kevin Bruce Harris, David Gilmore & Ronnie Burrage - Welcome Mr. Chancey (2016) [Hi-Res]

The long awaited debut album as leader by Lester Bowie's firstchoice French horn player. On "Welcome Mr Chancey", Vincent demonstrates that the French horn is not just a brass section instrument, but one which, in the hands of a master, can play a leading solo role. For this session, Chancey - who has worked in David Murray's Big Band, in the Muhal Richard Abrams Orchestra and with the Beaver Harris French Horn Connection - enlisted as musical associates some of the finest

„This gem of a debut album truly sparkles. Chancey makes his French horn sing on the title cut “Welcome Mr. Chancey”. With songs such as A Day in Ocho Rios or Barefoot Bahian Girl, this could well be called “A Week in Brazil.” Listening to the album, you feel as though you are transported to Bahia, with sound ranging from the upbeat “The Man Say Something to the haunting song “The Spell”. “The Spell” is a beautiful, enticing and hypnotic tune. If music were food this would be a crème brulee-smooth and sweet. “The Spell” highlights the talent of bassist Kevin Bruce Harris as well as guitarist David Gilmore and drummer Ronnie Burrage. Starting slowly, the music builds to a crescendo, subtly yet Directly at the same time. Although the entire album shines, “The Spell” is probably the best cut and should become a classic if heard by enough people. Chancey composed all songs on the album except “Chazz”, a slower piece written by Wilber Morris. Chancey’s French horn has all the strength of a baritone sax yet merged with a deeper, richer sound. The slower songs such as “The Spell” and “Ocho Rios” remind one of basking in a long lazy autumn day when it feels like true darkness will never come. In “Ocho Rios” Chancey and company reverts to a slower more swinging groove. Gilmore’s guitar quietly backs up Chancey’s horn. The longest track on the album, one wonders if this piece is indicative of where Chancey should focus his energy with a beat not too fast nor too slow. Fast songs like “A Night to Remember” evokes images of raucous partying. With “Barefoot Bahian Girl”, the driving samba pulsates with grace and eloquence. This highly danceable tune is reminiscent of Dizzy Gillespie’s style. Here, Gilmore on guitar really struts his talent as he and Chancey bounce off each other’s playing. Bravo. This song is a joyous one that reminds one of all the pleasures of Carnival and Brazil. If “The Spell” is like a lazy autumn day, then Night is hot summer evening full of drinking, dancing, and remembrances. All in all, this is a musical pleasure.“ (Rapport Magazine)

Vincent Chancey, french horn
David Gilmore, guitar
Kevin Bruce Harris, electric bass
Ronny Burrage, drums

Recorded June 1989 at System 2, Brooklyn, New York

Digitally remastered