Post bop tenorist Noah Preminger brings his latest release with the group of Ben Monder/g, Matt Pavolka/b and Colin Strnahan/dr for a collection of originals. His tenor sound has a bit of a dryness to it, which works well on ballads like the ethereal “Motif Attractif” which glides around Monder’s parched guitar. The optimistic “Stir My Soul” and melodious “Rhonda’s Suite” display a grasp of sensitivity. Monder shows lots of ideas duing “Animal Planet” while the whole team works together impressively on the fervent “Morgantown.” Never reaching to loud of soft, Preminger keeps to the gray shadows here.
Palmetto Records
www.noahpreminger.com