I don’t know where he’s been the last few years, but I’m glad alto saxist Kenny Garrett is back. No one mixes searching ideas with fun and funky grooves like the Miles Davis alumnus. Here, he emphasizes the latter with a core team of Corcaroan Hold/b, Ronald Bruner-McClenty Hunter/dr and Vernell Brown/p for a soulful and upbeat mix of originals. His soprano gets pastoral on the lovely “Waltz (3 Sisters)” and he shows his exotic hand as he gives the flute and piano a whirl along with Vernell Brown’s chant on the flowery modal “Persian Steps.” The rest of the time, he gets funky with the back beat on “Backyard Groove” and gets the party started on the soul grooved title track. His alto lilts on “Bossa” and is nimble as the dynamics excitedly change on “Calypso Chant.” He shows he’s still got the fire as he goes rapid fire like an AK 47 on the post bop “Chasing the Wind” and even does some hip hop as Donald Brown provide some rap on “Wheatgrass Shot”. All sides are covered here, which is what a true jazzer should be able to do. Welcome back!
Mack Avenue Records
www.mackavenue.com