Groove, Swing and Harmony Reviews:

The late great drummer Ed Blackwell used to talk about hearing tap dancing in his head. Bassist Roland Guerin achieves that distinctive feet on a wooden dance floor effect when he stands alone with his upright on the signature band battle number "Cherokee" that opens and closes the disc. Guerin engages the entire instrument and his own prowess, including his now renowned slap style, to take the endeavor beyond merely a bass solo and make it whole. It's a demanding feat, yet the result is fun and engaging. Guerin offers another surprise on the album-he sings. The song is "Growing," a pleasant number that that has folkish, light-hearted sway. A variety of long-time Guerin associates switch spots throughout the disc. Here it is saxophonist Brice Winston adding spice with Jason Marsalis on drums and Mike Esnealt on piano. The same line-up is in place on Guerin's composition, the more expected, straight-ahead push of "When It's Time, It's Time." Good work all around on this one-that upright sure has big fine tone. For the middle of the disc, which moves in what could be described as not a smooth but rather a round groove, Guerin picks up the electric bass and often approaches melodically like a guitar. Drummer James Alsanders slides into the drum position with his cymbals ringing beneath Esnealt's elegant piano on "Fall." Up next is alto man Wess Anderson whose punctuated notes on "Alone Together" offer a subtle variation to the rhythm. Drummer Troy Davis' often-unanticipated slams become the exclamation points within the tune. The opportunity to check out how each of the three drummers works with Guerin is a plus. Groove, Swing & Harmony is sort of the aural equivalent of watching Roland Guerin perform - content yet determined.

– Geraldine Wyckoff
Offbeat Magazine

Groove, Swing & Harmony (Independent): The first solo disc by Baton Rouge-based bassist and composer Roland Guerin in three years is an intimate affair of sophisticated groove and swing. In an increasingly loud, obnoxious world, Guerin's understated but lively jazz is a sweet breeze. Hearing his all-star collaborations with saxophonists Wes Anderson and Brice Winston, drummers Jason Marsalis, Troy Davis and James Alsanders and pianist Mike Esneault is the equivalent of eavesdropping on the conversation of wise, bright-spirited colleagues.

- John Wirt, The Addvocate
Baton Rouge

In the past decade, Roland Guerin has become one of Louisiana's most in-demand jazz bassists. Besides playing regularly with guitarist Mark Whitfield and pianist Marcus Roberts, Guerin has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Jimmy Scott, Ellis Marsalis, Gerry Mulligan and George Benson. That diverse background has helped him make a smooth transition to bandleader, and Guerin has just released his fourth CD, titled Groove, Swing & Harmony. It's Guerin's strongest effort to date, with a serenity and underlying spirituality that lifts his rare and softly crooned vocal turn on his original "Growing," and backing support like the beautiful piano melody from Mike Esneault on a cover of the Stylistic's' "People Make the World Go Round" Wayne Shorter's "Fall" and the standard "My Romance" receive similarly elegant treatment, with superb arrangements. Guerin's light touch on acoustic bass, and the contributions of drummers Jason Marsalis, James Alsanders and Troy Davis.

– Scott Jordon, Gambit Weekly
New Orleans


It's definitely a step away for your previous works. There is something on this cd for everyone to enjoy. Your rendition of Cherokee was great and you added much flavor to "People Make the World Go Round" I loved Wayne Shorters "Fall". The track you sang on had a Mark King/Level 42 type of flavor with a touch of soul. Great Job!

– Darren D.
Chicago

Live at The Blue Note Reviews:

....Then there's the truly wonderful record from relatively unknown bassist Roland Guerin and his sextet composed of fellow upstarts Brice Winston (tenor sax), Derek Douget (alto sax), Antonio Gambrell (trumpet), Frederick Sanders (piano), and Donald Edwards (drums). At some point during the third cut, an original Guerin composition entitled "That Moment," I realized something extraordinary was happening here. The composition is fascinating throughout its 14-plus minutes, with an enticing melody, spicy rhythmic variance and juicy chord changes. The highlight is Guerin's bass solo, where he unleashes a light-speed "slap-bass" attack that is mesmerizing and exotic, yet also contemplative. This one track alone is worth the cost of admission, but the other Guerin originals, such as "Slap Happy," and "Brandy," as well as an altered arrangement of "All Blues," are also great rides. Guerin, who now plays regularly with pianist Marcus Roberts, clearly has much to offer as a bandleader and composer.

- Jonathan Tabak, Offbeat Magazine
New Orleans