The last time Sean Higgins was in town I caught him playing at Rucker Johns with Benny Hill and with his trio at the Front Street Brewery. He mentioned that he had a new CD out and had them for sale so I immediately got one. You can purchase this CD by going to his website www.seanhiggins.net and also catch up Sean's career.
Sean's first CD, The New Thought, is very professional in content and recording quality. He is ably assisted by Josh Ramos on Bass and Iajhi Hampden of Durham on Drums. Sean should be proud of this accomplishment and we can be proud to have supported him while he was studying music here UNCW. Now to review of the selections on the CD:
The New Game Plan – This is a sprightly tune, deceptively simple A section followed by more complex B and C part. Sean's solo and Ramos' Bass solo are excellent.
New to Me – This a medium tempo ‘Monkish' tune with some interesting stop time shifts. The ensemble playing is close knit and driving.
Half The World Away – This is a thoughtful slow ballad suggesting an introspective side of Sean. The accomplement by Ramos and Hampden is tasteful.
Inception – This reading of McCoy Tyner's tune is taken at tempo and shows Sean's nimble piano playing skills during the ‘head' of the piece. He does some interesting cord substitutions during the improvised solo section and manages not emulate Tyner. Hampden's timing is impeccable and very supportive throughout.
First Chance – This is a slower tune that shows off Ramos' Bass underpinning of the piece. It sort of reminds you of something that Bill Evans did with Scott Lafaro yet it stands on it's own.
One For Nana – Bluesy medium tempo tune with some stop time sections to give it structure and interest. Allows Higgins to stretch out and includes a nice contribution by Ramos.
Here's A Thought – This by far, Sean's best composition on the CD. It is a slower ballad with a quality of building nice harmonic changes on a tune that stays in your mind long after hearing it. It seems to be asking for some sensitive lyrics to be added to it.
In Your Own Sweet Way – This reading of Brubeck's tune is taken at a leisurely pace and is pleasant but unremarkable. Perhaps this is because so many other jazz musicians including Evans and Miles have recorded this tune.
Hidden Complexity – Another slower piece, in which I could not find the ‘hidden complexity' but it is pleasant enough.
Miscalculation - It is not miscalculated as the title implies, in fact quite the opposite. It is a well written up-tempo piece, which shows off Sean's dexterity during boppish runs. Very nice.
This is a very listenable CD and I am sure the members of the CFAS will enjoy it as much as I did. Again, “Congratulations!” to Sean Higgins for producing such a great CD.
Reviewed by John Anderson, published in the Dec. 2005 Cape Fear Jazz Appreciation Society (CFJAS) newsletter - Wilmington, NC
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