Tim Ries - Life Changes (2019)

Tim Ries has held down the saxophone and keyboard chairs with The Rolling Stones for the past 21 years, all the while espousing his love of Jazz on his own projects and shows. In 2005 he hit the studio with a cast of greats - Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Larry Goldings, Grégoire Maret, James Genus and Scott Colley - and recorded a master work. Tim waited to release it as his mother was very ill during the recording, and sadly passed soon after its completion. And now, fourteen years later, Life Changes from Tim Ries is ready for release. The title speaks to the events that brought him to this point, with reference to his daughters Bella, Eliana, and Jasia (who performs on the album), and the dedication to his mother Edith Ries.

The story is unique, and we all get a glimpse into the past with some of the best players on the planet. And yet the story quickly moves away as you listen; Life Changes could well have been recorded yesterday in its adventurous and grand style. We are proud to bring this project to the world: Life Changes will be released on August 9th.

The musicians, each and every one, are just ‘at the top of their game’. Jack DeJohnette sounds like he’s having the time of his life. Two of the tunes “As It Happens” and “Hearing Around Corners” were written specifically with him in mind, and he lives up to his legend and beyond. Grégoire Maret is just lovely; his warm sound and perfect notes sparkling in every phrase. Bill Frisell heard in some unusual settings for him, especially on ‘Monk’s Dream’ is a wonder, fitting himself into every style, but at the same time remaining ‘Frisell’. Larry Goldings likewise can play anything in any genre, bar none, and here on ‘Amor’ even channels some Walter Wanderley! Scott Colley and James Genus are simply two of the best bass players on the scene and constantly set up grooves and sonic pulses that always are right ‘in there’ (Randy Brecker)