JAZZ IMPROV (NY) MAGAZINE
February 2009, Vol. 4, Num. 8
On the cover: Benny Golson
MARK RAPP: Token Tales
by Gary Heimbauer
Mark Rapp's debut record will make a splash in more than one pool. He combines different stylistic elements in the best way possible,
which is to stay true to each part of the equation, instead of watering each down. The pit-fall with a lot of cross-over acts is that they try
to be too many things at once, and end up not quite being any of those things—that's not the case here.
The playing is at times inventive enough for jazz fans, often dirty enough for funk fans, and all the while simple enough for jam-band fans.
The use of ambient sounds and effects, and tasty yet simple grooves will make Rapp a success among lounge-jazz and smooth jazz lovers as well.
His tunes succeed at creating distinct moods and danceable rhythms. He would be perfect on a bill with Soulive or Medeski Martin, and Wood.
The tracks are mostly modal affairs, or tunes with a simple harmonic lay-out, but often with a complex rhythmic scheme. Each tune is distinct from the next,
as the group explores the various elements to their sound, but there is one unifying factor—Rapp's trumpet sound. He can be both consistent and versatile.
In other words, he can be Mark Rapp in many different contexts—funky on "Who's the Man?"' sentimental on "Token Tales", smooth on "Thank You",
adventurous on "Incense and Peppermints", vocal on "1st Minute, 1st Round", and classic on "It Should Be".
One can't help but sense a distinct identity to Rapp in both his composing and playing—and you can tell that he also knows exactly who he is as a player.
For better or for worse, he is himself, which is often something musicians never achieve, and for this reason, we will be hearing a lot more from him.
