Branly-Ruiz-Haslip: Elemental

Vintage fusion sounds abound with this sleek session by drummer Jimmy Branly, bassist Jimmy Haslip and Otmario Ruiz on piano, synths and Fender Rhodes. All three know their way around a groove and pass around melodies and themes like a family dinner plate on this decalogue of originals. Hints of flexible Return to Forever are delivered with keys an rich bass work on “Surreptitious Moves” and early Weather Report  pulsations are hipper than Dumbo for “The Waiting Game.” Classic bebop themes sound as modern and updated as your IX iphone on “Part Time Smart” with some nice Monk angularities for “Low Row.” Drums snap to attention on “Boomtown” and the team jabs like Merriweather on “Dig.” These guys slap some soul on the sauce.

www.bluecanoerecords.com

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