CD Review from
Chicago Jazz Magazine November/December
Rings
Bob Dogan – Piano
Dan DeLorenzo – Bass
Joe Adamik – Drums

Bob Dogan’s latest on Big Foot Jazz records is simply called Rings. An understated title for an understated album, to be sure. Dogan’s latest features him in a trio setting with Dan DeLorenzo on bass and Joe Adamik on drums.  The emphasis here is on tasteful playing, strong melodies and how well a trio can play together when they are obviously listening intently and playing at the top of their craft.

Things get sailing nicely with “Autumn Leaves”. At first listen, Adamik’s comping on the drums

seems almost too much, until you notice that every last thing he does seems to stoke Dogan’s fire. Dogan’s touch is light, and his focus is firmly on the melody, engaging the listener with every turn.

Another gem on the album is Sam Rivers’ Impulse. They attack this tune as if they were a big band missing twelve horns. Not a kick is missed, and the ensemble playing here is tight.

The rest of the album follows suit: three guys playing trio in the mold of Bill Evans’ trios, where each voice becomes equally important. Dogan’s playing here is exceptional, and he should be quite proud of his latest effort.
Paul Abella

Jim Josselyn, Cadence:
""Salishan," a Native American word meaning "coming together from diverse points to communicate in harmony," is an apt title for this fine recording from Chicago pianist, composer and arranger Bob Dogan. The music, musicians and styles represented here do indeed come together from diverse points and the do communicate in perfect harmony! The title track and opener, "Salishan," is a superb ensemble piece with interesting rhythms, warm chord voicings, and unison ostinato piano/bass lines supporting a joyous melody, with fine counterpoint soloing from trombonist Kevin Quail and saxman Ron Dewar. The pleasant surprises keep coming with "Where's Paul," a pretty Vince Guarauldi-ish trio number.