Trombonist William Carn co-leads a nine member band with Tara Davidson on the alto sax and flute on a collection of originals. What makes this band stand out is the big band feel of the three member sax section including Kelly Jefferson and Shirantha Beddage along with the horns of Jason Logue-Kevin Turcotte/tp with Christian Overton/btb as they swerve around the lightly swinging pulse of just bass and drums supplied by Andrew Downing and Ernesto Cervini, respectively.
The nimble sections work is inspiring, bopping around Davidson’s and guest Dick Oatts’ alto on “Fire” and the funky “Groove” with the reeds getting fun and frisky on the latter. The rhythm team serves up a hot Latin plate with Cervini’s high hat over Mark Kelso’s percussion on the hip “Saude” and “Just Because” with Carn’s trombone in buttery form. Beddage’s baritone sax is upbeat on “ Joy” and Jefferson is mellifluous on the sensuous “Florencio”. Pocket sized Ellingtonia.