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Forward Motion Reviews
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| Bass
Player.com New Orleans bassist Jim Markway’s debut as a leader is an adventurous and accomplished collection of progressive jazz and funk. Markway anchors his harmonically angular compositions with undulating bass lines that elegantly dance with the quartet’s accomplished soloists. His 27-year professional career informs his approach: Rather than throttle the listener with virtuosity, Markway doles out technical flourishes in digestible bites, making for a remarkably palatable fusion feast. ******** Times
Picayune JAZZ
BASSIST'S 2nd CD IS WORTH THE 13-YEAR WAIT Jim Markway takes his time. The electric jazz bassist released his debut, "Love Never Fails," 13 years ago. Only now has he issued a follow-up. Markway, a New Orleanian since the 1960s, wasn't idle in the interim. He fully subscribes to the old-school New Orleans mindset of adapting to the gig at hand, be it jazz, rock, blues, funk or R&B. In addition to teaching music at Tulane, he's backed dozens of bandleaders, including blues-rock guitarists John Mooney, Brint Anderson and Mason Ruffner, jazz fusion guitarist Scott Goudeau, jazz clarinetist Tim Laughlin and drummer Ricky Sebastian, vocal trio the Pfister Sisters, Cajun songwriter Bruce Daigrepont and the funky Joe Krown Organ Combo. He also tinkers with original compositions, signing off on 11 of them with the release of "Forward Motion," his new, second CD. This is no vanity project. "Forward Motion" is credited to the Jim Markway Quartet, and all four members -- Markway, keyboardist Mike Lemmler, drummer Doug Belote and tenor saxophonist Tim Green -- are afforded equal space and time in the arrangements. Markway's first, fleet electric bass solo of any duration does not turn up until midway through the second song, long after both Lemmler and Green have taken solos. The result of this equal interaction is a cohesive set of lush, contemporary smooth jazz. "Skagen" is among the disc's most adventurous cuts, with its ominous bass tone, alarmed saxophone and spacey keyboard fills. But the quartet quickly settles back down for the subsequent, mid-tempo "Mr. Suhor." The players stretch out again on the final "Soul Intent," a more straight-ahead jazz exploration. They have fun with "Becca's Dream," articulate a lovely melody in "Hero" and cut Belote's drums loose in "Red Bass Shuffle." As all the compositions are instrumentals, Markway has considerable license in naming them. Some titles honor departed friends, mentors and fellow bassists, including Erving Charles ("Hero"), Julius Farmer ("Julius"), David Lee Watson ("Old Point Blues") and jazz clarinetist Don Suhor ("Mr. Suhor"). But "Forward Motion" is ultimately a testament to one local stalwart's dedication to his craft and his articulate communication with his bandmates. He should make such statements more frequently than once a decade. The Jim Markway Quartet performs Sunday at Snug Harbor for a CD release party. ******** Gambit
Weekly JIM MARKWAY QUARTET Bassist Jim Markway will be playing material from his just-released second album, Forward Motion, at this show with the group that recorded it -- tenor saxophonist Tim Green, keyboardist Mike Lemmler and drummer Doug Belote. Each member of the quartet, which has been together for two years, is a veteran of the local music scene with an eclectic resume that covers jazz, rock blues, funk and pop. Markway himself was part of Jasmine, with James Black, Cassandra Wilson, Patrice Fisher and Kent Jordan, and has played with John Mooney, Leslie Smith, Andy J. Forest, Bruce Daigrepont, Joe Krown and Brint Anderson. On his own he's a dexterous, fusion-style electric bassist with a strong book of original compositions. "Skagen," "Red Bass Shuffle" and "Becca's Dream" all develop out of memorable melodic themes and provide great platforms for the soloists -- especially Green, who can weave angular lines or thick, big-toned blues statements with equal facility. -- John Swenson ******** Offbeat
Magazine JIM
MARKWAY QUARTET It's January, and it's freezing outside (well, at least by New Orleans standards), but the Jim Markway Quartet was able to transport me to May where I was stuck to a plastic chair under the Jazz Tent and that breeze I never thought would come suddenly ripped through the tent and over my skin, delivering relief from the hot day, and I relaxed. All of the tracks off Forward Motion emit emotion and reveal a craftsmanship Markway has honed during his decades as a sideman. Markway is not only one of the better bass players in town, but also a creative jazz composer and now a strong frontman, evident by the tight collection of songs he's put together here. He and drummer Doug Belote set a solid groove, and show why they are one of the most requested rhythm sections in town, while Tim Green and Mike Lemmler fill out the songs on tenor sax and keys. The CD has a nice flow, and songs like "Hero," which is dedicated to Erving Charles, and "Old Point Blues," which is dedicated to David Lee Watson, accurately reflect their subject matter through the music. During "Red Bass Shuffle" Markway and Belote really lock in with each other and even get a little funky towards the end. I've listened to the album at least a dozen times, and what continues to impress me is the clarity and originality of every song. Markway's talent and experience help to make his new release one of the best jazz albums I've heard this past year. -Brenda
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