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October 2006, Cadence Magazine
Trumpeter Andre Canniere is yet another one of New York City’s young musicians who seeks to make music that not only draws on the worlds of Jazz, but also of Rock and elsewhere. While a member of several ensembles, Canniere takes his solo bow on As of Yet, a mix of four compositions performed in the studio, as well as three live “bonus” tracks that take the sheen out of two studio tracks and add a new tune. A look at Canniere’s bio and one can tell that the music contained here will likely reach beyond the traditional, citing influences that range from Maria Schneider to Wayne Shorter to Pat Metheny to Stravinsky to Jeff Buckley (you get the picture). With such signposts, the compositions are a far cry from the staid template contained on many Jazz records. Instead Canniere prefers to challenge his ensemble (all friends and 2003 graduates of the Eastman School of Music) to maximize the harmonic drama and consistently shifting rhythmic sequences. Some of the most exciting moments are offered during the solo spaces, particularly by the clean toned Canniere, as well as tenor saxophonist Josh Rutner, who is sure to follow in the footsteps of players like Chris Potter and Donny McCaslin, and guitarist Ryan Ferreira.

Although not specifically cited as an influence, several tracks bear the markings of writing that could have emerged from the pen of saxophonist Dave Binney, especially the lyrically sweet touches of “As Of Yet.” Following on the heels of the opener are the Blues-tinged “Bridges,” and the funky, yet incandescent rhythms of “Accelerated Decrepitude” that sounds like a mix of John Scofield’s “Picks And Pans” and funky Latin shadings. As for the latter, it is a vivid workout for the bustling rhythm section of bassist Ike Sturm and the increasingly in-demand drumming of Ted Poor, certainly the hidden force behind this date. As for the final cuts of the studio piece, the quintet glistens on the lovely ballad, “The Rest,” a forlorn piece that thrives on its countryish tones.

Perhaps the only minor complaint that can be levied at this session is that the studio atmosphere tends to foster a restrained sensibility that makes the more optimistic themes sound somewhat lightweight. While the live tracks are sonically distracting and almost seem tacked-on, they do present the group in a looser setting, one that fosters a heightened interactive state. The minimized polish on “As Of Yet” and “Accelerated Decrepitude” are enlightening, though the knotty “Thirteenth Species” is the high point. Featuring a driving rhythmic base, Rutner’s inspired solo over the tense rhythmic vamp followed closely by Canniere’s own zealous ruminations, shows the group at its best.

Andre Canniere and his associates show a great deal of promise on this debut, particularly due to the compositional aspirations, as well as Canniere, Rutner and Ferreira’s improvisational work.

-Jay Collins, Cadence Magazine, October 2006
© Cadence Magazine 2006. Published by CADNOR Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of contents prohibited without written permission from publisher.