Joshua Redman creates a spacious quartet with Ron Miles/tp, Brian Blade/dr and Scott Colley/dr with an emphasis on intuitive communication. There are audible hints of vintage Ornette Coleman with Don Cherry here, but with a hint of a modern touch on pieces like the quirky Monk-like “New Year” and the swirling “Unanimity” with the nimble unison lines. Redman’s tenor is full of meat here, with a strong swagger on “Blues for Charlie” while able to creates some fantastic dynamics with sustained high notes teamed with solemnity on “Comme Il Faut.” His soprano is sweet and sublime, floating with the lovely haze of support from Colley and Blade, while Miles’s muted horn is sleek for the funky rhythm team on “It’s Not the Same.” These guys were really listening to each other while presenting the music!
Nonesuch Records