Anthony Caceres Something’s Gotta Give Review

Bassist Anthony Caceres might have gotten a late start in his music career after a foray in the military serving his county for four years, but that did not slow him down from his legacy.  While he is the first bassist in his family, it was Caceres grandfather, violinist Emilio Caceres, who was most well-known for playing with Jack Teagarden and Harry James in the 1930s.  Additionally, his great uncle, Ernie Caceres, was one of the first baritone-saxophonists, who worked with Eddie Condon, Jack Teagarden and the original Glenn Miller Orchestra. The connection does not stop there, Caceres brother David a saxophonist also got the family music bug.

About the Album
Caceres has a new 2019 release Something’s Gotta Give, this is Caceres’ third project as a leader and features Caceres on bass as well as the lead vocalist role. The album is a combination of trio and quartet settings and he is joined by pianist Stefan Karlsson, and drummer Jeff Hamilton as the core trio.  Guitarist David Mooney, guests on five out of the ten tracks. The album connects jazz standards with hit pop and rock tunes arranged and transformed into the jazz locution.

Our Favorite Track

I have always loved “A Night In Tunisia,” the rhythm, the complexity of the harmony. Caceres has an unaffected vocal style that punctuates the melody with clarity and precision. Stefan Karlsson also offers a fluidity that settles deeply into the swing feel, of course supported by the master of swing, drummer Jeff Hamilton who exceedingly cooks on this tune.  Caceres might be the vocalist on this tune, but it is his acumen on bass that is of note. Caceres is an adroit bassist, and this becomes ever clear on his solo, outlining the melody well, while still taking liberties, his solo is melodic and well intonated.  Of special note on this track is the symbiosis of the trio.

In Conclusion

Something’s Gotta Give accentuates the push and pull of swing, but also the voice of reaching into other songbooks beyond the standards.  With tunes like “I Melt With You,” and a Caceres original “A Fathers Love For Ant,” the program offers a well balanced look at today’s jazz with an eye on the beautiful tradition of swing.