You always meet twice in life.
Simon Oslender must have thought of this dictum when he said goodbye to Steve Gadd after three unforgettable days in the studio with the legendary drummer as well as Eddie Gomez, Ronnie Cuber and the WDR Big Band in early 2022, recording the Grammy-nominated album CENTER STAGE (Leopard D 77107). You always meet twice in life - the pianist, keyboardist and organist was also hoping so in 2021 when he recorded his second solo album with another legend, bassist Will Lee (PEACE OF MIND, Leopard D 77110). Two American giants of the studio scene - musical innovators who have both accompanied all the greats of R&B, pop, soul, funk, blues and jazz on countless records - and countless times side by side, together.
Now that old saying is proving true once again. Simon Oslender, 26 years of age, has met Steve Gadd and Will Lee once again - for his third album as a leader, ALL THAT MATTERS. The title says it all: “Steve emphasized it again and again: ‘It"s all about the feel, it"s all about the groove’. That"s all that matters, it just has to feel good.” And it does.
ALL THAT MATTERS offers everything that is musically most important to Oslender - and picks up on what his roots are: R&B, blues, soul, gospel and funk. And the instrument he began learning at the age of five also finds its rightful place here - the good old Hammond B3. And thus, a very personal album - and with the presence of Steve Gadd and Will Lee, the fulfillment of one of his biggest personal dreams.
This illustrious line-up is completed by Germany"s leading groove specialist among guitarists, Bruno Müller, and the excellent alto saxophonist Jakob Manz, who - despite his young age - has a deep connection with groove jazz. Featured as a special guest is Swedish trombonist extraordinaire Nils Landgren, one of the strongest and most recognizable voices in the jazz world today.
Music that should - above all - convey a good feeling is truly in good hands with these musicians.
The opening track “In Good Hands” with a groove reminiscent of James Brown"s deep and soulful drum parts immediately raises the mood barometer to the high that runs through the entire album.
In “Quite Logical”, Oslender moves to New Orleans, the metropolis that is often referred to as the “Birthplace of Jazz”, but which is also home to blues, soul, gospel and funk. And the second line parades of brass bands shine through in Gadd"s dynamic and sophisticated snare drum work.
Of all the grooves, the shuffle is one of, if not Gadd"s favorite rhythm. “On A Roll” is another highlight of the album, featuring Oslender"s gospel-inspired playing, reminiscent of "Yellowjackets" pianist Russell Ferrante.
“Two Brothers” is Oslender’s lyrical homage to the most famous brothers in fusion jazz, who have inspired everyone involved in this production and with whom Gadd and Lee played countless studio and live gigs - Michael and Randy Brecker. The young Jakob Manz shines here with a soulful alto solo.
“Say It Again” teaches us once again what groove is all about: being relaxed and creating tension at the same time. And Oslender, Gadd, Lee and Bruno Müller impressively demonstrate how to build strength and depth with restrained and tasteful playing.
The name Gadd brings to mind more records than almost any other. These include his bluesy collaboration with Eric Clapton. When it comes to tempo, a donkey is nothing like a leopard. And so “Donkey” captures that languid blues feel. With grandiose, soulful solos from Oslender and Bruno Müller. Slow, but burnin"...
In “Cruisin"”, with its steady and unwavering forward-rolling rhythm, one might imagine oneself on a train or in a car cruising along the Californian coast at a relaxed pace while the band is raising the groove roof. Get on board!
Not only groove gurus such as Les McCann, Richard Tee, Russell Ferrante and George Duke are among Oslender"s favorites, but also Chick Corea, whom the agile and vibrant “Close Call” is dedicated to (and with whom Gadd played so often).
Who wouldn"t feel a little melancholy when leaving a heavenly place? “Leaving Paradise”, with master trombonist Nils Landgren as guest soloist, revives the wistful mood as Oslender (while on tour with saxophonist Bill Evans" band) bid farewell to the dreamy island of Ilha Grande, Brazil.
The album closes with “All That Matters”, a musical credo that was not chosen as the album"s title by chance. The track of the same name documents the fun of it all: an upbeat, gospel-fueled tribute to the inimitable Richard Tee and iconic groups like Stuff and the Gadd Gang. A celebration of life, love and groove!
The fact that Gadd, for whom laying down a rock-solid groove and making the music feel great are usually more important than soloistic interludes, nevertheless contributes a few rousing solos to this album speaks volumes and says a lot about the mood in the studio. As does the fact that almost all the tracks are “first takes”. Combined with Oslender"s compositions fitting this once-in-a-lifetime group like a glove, it"s no surprise that the album sounds as if he and this great band had been playing together forever.
And another piece of good news: Simon Oslender will see Steve Gadd and Will Lee more than twice in his life. In December 2024, the original cast of ALL THAT MATTERS! will go on tour.
Never change a winning team...
