Vibist Joe Locke makes for some subtle yet swinging chamber jazz along with Robert Rodriguez/p, Terreon Gully/dr and Ricky Rodriguez/b. Guests Donny McCaslin, Rosario Giuliani, Victor Provost, Theo Blackmann and Paul Bollenback add flavor and textures to various pieces as well, with Provost’s steel drums giving “Embrace” a Caribbean lilt and Blackmann’s voice on “Love Is A Planchette” creating a rich hue. The core team makes some rich and sophisticated interplay as they deftly swing on “Variations On Wisdom” while the contemplative “Love IS Letting Glow” allows Locke’s vibes to shimmer. The team shows that it can handle the heat as “Latch Ditch Wisdom” has the band in letting the dust fly. Graceful and melodic yet still able to flex the musical muscles.
Motema Music