Two jazz composers here, both with accessible pens in hand.
Keyboardist Ted Brancato brings to the field a mix of acoustic and electric musicians including Ron Carter/b as well as a reed and brass section for this collection of material that goes from funk to cheery acoustic. Easy and bluesy jazz comes out on pieces such as “Kinshasa” and”I Don’t Want to Fall” while the funk factor is spotlighted on the percussive “Karate Kid” and “It’s The Little Things.” What used to be called “Adult Contemporary Jazz” before it smoothed out is evident on the fun and fun loving “Another Chance” and the soulful “The Next Step.” Lots of invigorating sounds here.
Pianist/composer Florian Hoefner brings together a working team of Mike Ruby/ts-ss, Sam Anning/b and Peter Kronreif/dr for some thoughtful yet accessible post modern jazz pieces. Except for “Eleanor Rigby” (which is creatively delivered by Hoefner’s fingers), all the pieces are composed by the leader. An uncluttered lyricism permeates material such as “ Stoney Lake” and the gently dark “Overtime” with Ruby’s molasses thick tenor melding the themes together in a rich manner. Some wonderful bass and piano conversations come through on “Black is the Color” while the band drives past Hoefner’s opening to the title track with some exciting interplay. Impressive outing.