Vibraphonist Joel Ross delivers a rich and impressionistic album with Immanuel Wilkins/as, Jeremy Corren/p, Benjamin Tiberio/b, Jeremy Dutton/dr and guest vocalist Gretchen Parlato for a lithe and alluring collection of originals.
The mallets and moods are dreamy as Wilkins and Ross float on “Touched By An Angel” and the post-bop “Prince Lynn’s Twin.” Tiberio and Corren gently weave on “The Grand Struggle Against Fear” with Tiberio getting some space for “Interlude” which leads into an enticing and dramatic title track. Ross’ touch is clean and clear, rich and chiming, able to snap to the lovely “Yana” or get delicate with Parlato on “Freda’s Disposition.” The team shows it’s brightest colors on the bopping “With Who Do You Learn Trust” but even the lightest pastels evoke enough heat to warm the heart. Highly rewarding. Sorry I missed his LA gig!