Drummer Andrew Swift leads a rotating band that includes Eric Alexander/ts, Wycliffe Gordon/tb George cables/p and a host of others on this collection of tunes that range from sophisticated bop like Duke Pearson’s “Is That So?” to originals such as “Goodbyes,” all the while featuring some impressive chart work and soloing. Cables displays his usual aplomb on the latter tune, while Alexander’s muscular horn is resplendent on “Song For Sherin.” One of the joys of this set is listening to the leader go through various styles and grooves throughout this varied collection, with a ebullient reading of “Alfie” one of the highlights.
Hammond organist Kerong Chok grooves behind a team of Lucas Pino/woodwinds, Michael Maleanu/g, Jake Goldbas/dr and Matt Holman/tp and keeps it all interesting on this grooving collection of ballads, blues and burners. Pino’s tenor smokes on “Black Ice” while his flue glides gorgeously on “Samba Number 1” . Some Eastern sounds are generated from Valeanu’s guitar on “Incessant” while some Baptist gospel sounds are evident on “Free and Easy.” This is meat and potatoes jazz at its comfort foodiest.