Since earning his master's at the Manhattan School of Music and performing at the Kennedy Center as part of
Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead concert series, this versatile musician has freelanced in the Big Apple as a drummer, pianist, vibraphonist, arranger, and composer. In just a few short years, his drum and vibes résumé included
Dave Liebman,
John Abercrombie,
Paul Shaffer,
Hilton Ruiz,
Antonio Hart, and
Christian McBride. He made a good choice in making his recording debut a straight-ahead vibes-centered affair, and
Valcour draws from a variety of jazz and rock influences, from
Bobby Hutcherson and
Keith Jarrett to
the Police; after a rousing set of colorful originals, he concludes the set with a mystical and moody take on "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," on whose chorus his vibes double with altoist Matt Blostein. He's more upbeat and vibrant at the start of the disc, jamming with dizzying runs and a few Latin twists on the percussive "Buzzy John's Blues." Then he settles in for a more contemplative journey which involves "Tiptoe"-ing towards the gentle, brass driven "Twenty Something" and a laid-back, soulful "The Rover." After way too long a lull of ballads, the brassy and more rhythmic, jazz chill-oriented "Crossroads" swings the tempo up again.
Collins is an exciting player who chooses only to flash his energy in certain spots, but those moments are what makes this generally impressive disc worthwhile. ~ Jonathan Widran