In the rock and pop world, supergroups often succumb to the trap of not living up to the hype. (There are significant exceptions, of course.) In the jazz universe, they succeed more often than not. First Meeting is a strong example of that sort of gathering. At the behest of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming VP, pianist Gonzalo Rubalcala, saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Eric Harland, and bassist Larry Grenadier convened at Dizzy’s Club for a gig highlighting an original by each, plus two choice covers.
With only a single rehearsal behind them, and that only to determine repertoire, not direction, the foursome provides a masterclass in collective improvisation. On Dizzy Gillespie’s “Con Alma,” check out the contrast between Rubalcala and Grenadier’s easy swing and Potter and Harland’s frenetic churn, though eventually the former join the latter in the frenzy. Harland’s “Eminence” sets up a chamber jazz showcase that lengthens and becomes an atmospheric, free jazz-tinged epic. Grenadier leads a swirling rhumba on his “State of the Union,” letting the Latin rhythm speak subtly under the improvisatory melodies. The groovy “Santo Canto,” Rublacala’s closing number, begins at a simmer and becomes an overflowing boil over the course of fourteen-and-a-half minutes.
There’s deep listening going on here, allowing the players to react to each move the other makes, as well as let creative memory drive their skill. By concentrating on communication rather than technique, the quartet lays out exactly how a supergroup can be genuinely super.
