It seems that every album that Tom Harrell releases has something important to say. Not only that, but the composer/trumpeter/flugelhornist keeps things interesting by trying various styles and sounds. This time around, he brings together a chordless quartet with Mark Turner/ts, Ugonna Okegwo/b and Adam Cruz/dr that has a light spaciousness about it on a collection of melodic and clever pieces.
Songs such as “Sunday” and “After the Game is Over” have an easy stride and breathiness about them, as Turner’s horn is warm, laconic and at home in mid range. The lack of a heavy bottom have the front horns make tunes like the head swirling “Cycle” feel like Fiats racing around the Piazza del Poppolo, while the unified sounds skip joyfully on the bopping “Coastline.” A six part homage to Don Quixote is playful, and gives Okegwo a chance to be spotlighted on”Enchnged” while the gentle declarations on “The Ingenious Gentleman” displays Cruz control. Through it all, Harrell’s horn is pristine without being sterile and richly gentle, pastoral and yet in the pocket. Everything you like about modern jazz is on display here on another wonderful edition to this master’s catalogue.
High Note Records