The Old Style Sextet describes itself as “devoted to performing new music penned by members of the band.” While that could sound fairly dangerous for the listening audience depending on what they do with their own material, the unmentioned part is that they keep the music in the tradition of driving post bop, and make it sound fresh like a spring rain. The team of Clark Gibson/as-ts, Michael Fenoglio/ts-as, Euan Edmonds/tb, Easton Stuard/p, Sam Peters/dr and Matthew Charles Endres/dr deliver some exciting material here, especially with the three horn front line that is reed heavy. Full throated and extroverted sounds come from the three as they charge forth on the charging and exotic “Guinea Chant” and ”New Style” while the rhythm section snaps like atwig on the hard bopping “Mission.” Edmonds delivers some rich solos as he weaves between the saxes on “8 Ball” and Stuard veers in and out of the front line’s obstacle course during the sizzling and rapid fire “Silent G.”They are also able to collectively take it down a notch, as Clark Gibson’s rich tenor is ebullient on the fragrant “Gone.” Sparks fly in abundance here so often that you may need protective goggles when listening.
Blujazz Productions