Chris Lee, a stalwart of the Portland jazz scene, offers a sonic meditation on his home with Green in Grey. The album, a collaboration with a who’s who of the city’s jazz elite – Dan Balmer (guitar), Greg Goebel (piano), Dave Captein (bass), Thomas Barber (trumpet), and John Nastos (woodwinds) – is a work that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest with verdant, atmospheric sections, as well as dense, complex compositions.
The album’s title is a perfect encapsulation of the music. It’s a record that suggests a world both lush and veiled, where the vibrant energy of life coexists with a certain muted melancholy. Lee’s drumming, as always, is the album’s backbone, providing a steady, propulsive force while also allowing ample space for his colleagues to shine. Virtuosity abounds throughout the album, each improviser fleetly navigating the original compositions with ease.
Green in Grey at times is a deeply felt exploration of atmosphere and mood. Other times, compositions have intricate rhythmic hits and dense chord changes. On some tunes, it’s music that invites introspection, that encourages listeners to lose themselves in the soundscape. On others, it keeps the listener on their toes. In a world increasingly dominated by noise and distraction, Green in Grey is a welcome retreat.
In Lee’s words:
My second album for PJCE Records is an homage to the people whose music has had the biggest impact on my musical perspective. Particularly, the stable of ECM artists, such as Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Art Lande, Dave Holland, Tomasz Stanko, Enrico Rava, Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, and Eberhard Weber. Some of the pieces are also very rooted to a sense of place.
“Pawnee Pass” is a musical impression of a favorite hike in Colorado where we lived for many years. From the stark beauty of the top of the pass, the sub-Alpine meadows to the forest below. -For K.W.
“Wanderlust” as the name implies, describes that feeling of curiosity as to what’s beyond the horizon. The yearning for, and excitement of venturing into the unknown. -For J.T.
“The Towers” refers to the radio towers in Portland’s west hills. Growing up in Southwest Portland, I would often see them glowing at night, and being a child of the space age, they always appeared very mysterious and futuristic looking to me. -For A.L.
“Backwards, Forwards”. Sometimes you have to go backwards to move forward. -For D.H.
“Nenelina’s Sister” was inspired by a song of Tomasz Stanko entitled Nenelina.
“Euro Waltz”. To my mind, has a very European vibe to it. -For E.R.
“Angels Of Light” -For K.J.
“Other Side Of Night” -For E.R. and J.G.
“Green In Grey”. The title track was written when I was visiting Portland in the winter while still living in Colorado. It reflects the moodiness of the Pacific Northwest in general. Dark green fir trees enshrouded in grey clouds. -For E.W.
Album Details
Artist: Chris Lee
Title: Green in Grey
Personnel: Thomas Barber (trumpet), John Nastos (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax), Dan Balmer (guitar), Greg Goebel (piano), Dave Captein (bass), Chris Lee (drums)
Track listing: Run time:
Pawnee Pass 07:48
Wanderlust 05:37
The Towers 07:12
Backwards, Forwards 04:26
Nenelina’s Sister 08:19
Euro Waltz 04:54
Angels of Light (intro) 02:13
Angels Of Light 07:47
Other Side Of Night (a) 03:58
Other Side Of Night (b) 04:07
Green In Grey 08:15
Total Run Time 65:05
All Compositions by Chris Lee / Illiamna Music BMI
Recorded by Randy Porter
Mixed by Bob Stark
Recorded at Heavywood Studio
Recording date: 4/29-30/24
Mastered by: David Glasser at AirShow Mastering
Executive Producer: Ryan Meagher
Art by Tiny Little Hammers
PJCER 067
BIO
As a composer, vibraphonist, and drummer, Chris Lee brings a distinct perspective to his music. He attended Marylhurst College and Portland State University, where he was a member of the percussion ensemble under the direction of Tomas Svoboda. He also attended the Ornette Coleman’s Creative Music Studios, where he studied with Karl Berger and Jack DeJohnette on vibes and drums, respectively and the Cornish Institute with Sam Rivers and Dave Holland.
In 1980 Lee met and began a musical journey with vocalist-cellist Colleen O’Brien to whom he is married. Together they have self-produced two quintet recordings; Silent Talk which features ECM recording artist Art Lande and Something, Forgotten Remembered which also features Lande as well as multi-instrumentalist Paul McCandless of the group Oregon.
In 1989 Lee joined O’Brien and guitarist Khabu Doug Young to form the eclectic
chamber jazz trio Primal Mates, which has produced four recordings; Primal Mates, Duo/Trio and Songs.
In addition to having performed and recorded his own music he has worked as a drummer with such diverse artists as Joe Henderson, Lew Tabackin, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Ron Miles, Sheila Jordan, Gary Peacock, Julian Priester, Mose Allison, John Handy, Ernie Watts, Nancy King, Glen Moore, David “Fathead” Newman, George Cables, David Friesen, Leni Stern, Nguyen Lee, Sonny Simmons, Plas Johnson, New York Voices and others. As a teacher, Chris has taught privately and on the faculty of the University of Oregon, Lewis & Clark College, and Naropa College as well as numerous master classes at many colleges and universities.
