Tom Harrell just never keeps still. He’s always looking for new directions and permutations, and this time around he’s done an intriguing release that includes Esparanza Spalding’s vocals (as well as her bass playing) along with his working band of Jaleel Shaw/as, Wayne Escoffery/ts, Ugonna Okegwo/b and Johnathan Blake/dr.
The tunes range from the tricky rhythms of “Tango” to a straightahead cooker like “Blues 2013” which has both bassists supporting shimmering solos by the front line. Spalding is clever on the wordless vocals on “Nite Life” while going Brazilian on “Velejar (Sail Away). Harrell himself is simply marvelous, providing an enthralling mood on the trio “Family” with only the two basses in support, while the funky “Goin’ Out” has him showing his flexed muscles on the beach. Another wonderful addition to an already impressive catalogue.
High Note Records