Led by drummer Josh Feldstein, the Verve Jazz Ensemble flexes between trios and septets on this album of swinging pot bop material.
The core trio of Feldstein with pianist Steve Einerson and bassist Elias Bailey delivers a surprisingly upbeat and bopping take of Benny Golson’s “Whisper Not” that works impressively well. The addition of Jon Blanck/ts-ss and either Tatum Greenblatt/tp, Willie Applewhite/tb or Alexa Tarantino/fl-as comprise the Quintet, with Art Farmer’s classic bopper “Mox Nix” creating sparks between Greenblatt and Blanck and the rhythm section getting modal on the assertive read of Wayne Shorter’s “Deluge.” The sextet sans trombone delivers a warm and breezy bossa “Viva Sonhando” that features Tarantino’s warm flute, while the entire ensemble swings with joy on an updated take of “Opus One.” This band adds octane to every tune. Vrrrrooom!