Jed's Notes
Bipolar was born in July 2005 because one morning, unexpectedly, I awakened with the fervent desire, after a long layoff, to return to jazz playing. A quintet would be just the thing. It also occurred to me that my great pal, Craig Swanson, a wonderful pianist (and man of many other talents, musical and otherwise), just might want to join me. Upon calling him, to my delight, he expressed enormous enthusiasm. That was all I needed to hear. Three more and we'd have our five.
Oddly, to this day, neither Stephanie Long nor I recall who put the two of us together but happily, someone did and she came aboard as our saxophone player (alto & soprano - flute, as well).
Albert Ahronheim, with whom I've worked for many years, (together, we own and run United Noodle Music of America), suggested Robert C. Kelly as drummer. Robert, in turn, suggested a "smokin'" bass player, Dave Ostrem, and that was it.
We met for a few rehearsals and we were off. It just clicked. It clicked in that way you hope will happen but usually doesn't. I started writing and arranging pieces for us, quite a few of which seemed to work pretty well - I was and am equally interested in original composition, various masterworks from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. Craig, too, is writing original material. His "Closed (Due to Fire)" has become one of our very favorite tunes to play: a lush, multi-sectioned, intensely personal, yet relaxed paean to ensemble and solo playing.
Craig's piano playing reveals extreme concentration, stunning rhythmic imagination and one of the most comprehensive techniques you will hear today.
Stephanie brings a multitude of tones (sweetness all the way to brash) combined with thrilling, unexpected leaps and turns during daring improvs which allow and at times, force one to reevaluate the tune, itself. (I must add, a remarkable sight-reader.)
Robert & Dave are the rocks we count on. Robert's percussion chops are truly bold, imaginative in so many ways and always give the listener the feeling that there is massive reserved power. The listeners are right.
At twenty-four, Dave is a master of the double bass. He overwhelms his instrument with enormous technical prowess, dazzling improvs and a palpable passion for playing. I'll often write in the upper register simply to hear him bang out chromatic passages with total clarity which might tie up other bassists in knots.
Bipolar's aim is to demonstrate variety, energy, taste and almost always, departure from the norm. By spanning three centuries, I feel we're able to take a fresh look at a lot of music from many angles and explore much unknown territory.
Needless to say, I'm very proud of this exciting quintet.