I know! I know! So called “Supergroup” sessions can be either a) too safe or b) self serving. This one’s a treat, as all four gents have made careers being stellar sidemen as well as leaders.
They all share in the composing, with each personality showing via the pen. Loueke’s “Aziza Dance” has a rich and funky guitar riff with a dash of R&B while he brings in African vocals along with some Dick Dale lines to mix with intricate lines with Chris Potter’s tenor on “Sleepless Night.” Potter’s own “Summer 15” has him on soprano while Harland snaps out a hip drum pattern and Loueke’s guitar lilt adds some West African moods. Holland lurkes out a bluesy pulse while Potter and Loueke create long shadows on his “Walkin’ The Line” whereas his throbbing strings support Potter’s soprano on the African dance of “Finding The Light” with an irresistible foundation. Harland’s brushes are suave under Loueke’s ruminations of the drummer’s “Friends” and brings the team to a waltz on the lyrical “Aqula.” All songs feel like the music is being served, and not the musicians, which is what you hope for with stars that shine this brightly.