The New Orleans-based Plunge consists of Mark McGrain/tb-alphorn(?), Robert Walter/org, Kirk Joseph/sous, Simon Lott/dr-perc, Tom Fitzpatrick/ts-fl, James Singleton/b and Tim Green/bs-saxello. As you can see, there are a couple unorthodox instruments here, but the extra textures make the traditional sounds of the Crescent City sound exciting and provocative.
McGrain makes his trombone deliver a wide palate of sounds, ranging from elephants brewing on “As Angels Roar” growling on “Falling with Grace” and to jivey talk during “Bear and Eagle Meet Raven.” A mix of bop and traditional sounds melds wonderfully on “Monkey Mitts” and the mix of B3 and ‘bone delivery up funky sounds on “The Jilt” and a wonderful blues that sway on “Second Man Suit.” Exotic percussion is alluring on the lilting “Exit Strategy” and Lott gets a workout between the punctuated horns on the kinetic “The Speed of Darkness.” If you like extra spice in your gumbo, this is your meal.