I
t wasn’t so long ago that I remember seeing Jeremy Pelt as “the next big thing” and was impressed by his gorgeous tone. Fast forward a few decades, and he’s now an elder statesman, being the guiding light for younger artists as he himself was, and his new band of young lions is impressive. Pelt was in LA recently with a similar band, recording here with Jalen Baker/vib, Misha Mendelenko/g, Leighton Harrell/b as well as guests Marie-Ann Hedonia/synth and Mar Vilaseca/voc performing much of this material, and it transfers well on record.
Pelt’s horn glistens on the warm “Prologue: Invention” and is soft over the brushes on “Fair Weather” while bright and golden with the band in double-time on the bopper “”Labyrinth”. Baker is glorious on “Rhapsody” and clear while digging in with Mendenko for “Dreamcatcher” with the later tasty with a muted Pelt as they dance around Spears’ tricky pulses on “13/14”. Vilaseca gives warm hues to “Rhapsody” and Hedonia brings added textures to a bold “Invention #2/Black Conscience”. A well woven tapestry.