The Red Arrow is the Summit Records debut by Canadian bassist Jason Raso.  Although Raso has several albums under his belt to date, he considers this his true “debut” album.  Previous albums had “sprinklings” of jazz throughout, but Raso consider’s this his first proper Jazz album.  Proving he is an accomplished player on both electric and acoustic bass, Raso’s playing weaves an intricate web throughout each composition.  From the subtle grooves of the opening track “Nightcrawler” all the way through to the funkier “Mr. Green”, Raso demonstrates he is as much a composer as he is a bassist.  Handling the electric guitar duties as well, Raso verifies his skill as a musician and his knowledge of jazz.

Raso gives us a smooth, swinging jazz album here with a stellar line-up of players.  Listening to The Red Arrow I can imagine sitting in a stylish jazz club enjoying the atmosphere as much as the music.  Closing my eyes I lean back and relax taking it all in.  8/10.

http://www.jasonrasomusic.com/fr_home.cfm

Stanton Lawrence([email protected])