JEFF DINGLER, How About You?

In 2017, veteran double bassist took a few moments out of his, whirlwind schedule livening the groove for countless jazz ensembles and artists (Adam Makocwicz Trio, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Jonathan Saraga Quintet, Sean Jones, Jeremy Pelt, et al) to reflect on his diverse experiences living and teaching in Ethiopia on Taking Root, a set of all originals.

On the long- awaited follow-up How About You?, he pulls a dynamic 180, focusing on imaginatively arranged standards while eschewing the piano for an emotionally compelling, richly mood setting and spryly swinging bass-guitar-drum trio date with the equally storied Tom Dempsey (guitar) and Joe Brown, Jr. (drums).

Whether they’re jamming it up on snappy, whimsical romps like the table setter “How About You?” and Charlie Parker’s “Dewy Square” or more contemplative, spacious and subdued ballads a la “Embraceable You” and “Moon River,” the focus is on exploring the groove and melodic potential of each gem while equally spotlighting the surreal solo action of Dingler and Dempsey. A bit of the Dinger exotica touches pops in with Brown’s hypnotic, then booming percussion vibes on the high octane closer “It’s Only A Paper Moon.”