Jakob Dreyer Returns With “Roots and Things,” A Vibes-Driven Jazz Journey for Bass Fans
Jazz bassist Jakob Dreyer has returned with Roots and Things, marking his third album as a leader. For his latest outing, he opted to take a fresh approach by changing up the instrumentation. Roots and Things features saxophonist Tivon Pennicot, drummer Kenn Salters, and vibraphonist Sasha Berliner.
“After my previous two albums, which featured piano (Jon Cowherd), I felt I wanted the next one to sound different,” said Dreyer. “So I was thinking what would be a good way to change it. And I thought of different instruments before settling on vibraphone. It just shapes the music so much, I think. And also, Dave Holland’s use of vibraphones on several of his records definitely was an influence in my decision.”
Aside from his stellar bass playing, Dreyer’s compositional prowess is on full display on the album: fifteen of the sixteen tracks are originals. The only cover song is a 5/4 rendition of the Rodgers & Hart song “With a Song in My Heart.”
Get a taste of the album with the burning yet ethereal “Fight or Flight.”
Roots and Things is available now on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other streaming services.
Roots and Things Track List:
- The Fifth Floor
- Constellation
- Follower
- June Tune
- Land of 1000 Blues
- With a Song In My Heart
- Bodega
- Downtime
- Fight or Flight
- MTA
- Hold On
- Room 1102
- Roots and Things
- Invisible
- Big Apple
- Choral Diner
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
