Free form post bop jazz is presented by alto saxist Michael Thomas and his front line partner Jason Palmer on trumpet, supported by a rhythm team of Hans Glawischnig on bass and drummer Johnathan Blake for this two disc collection of concert performances recorded at the Jazz Gallery in NYC on August 14-15 back in 2019.
Due to the lack of piano or guitar, the music is loose and fluid, with Thomas’ tone in a mostly bright mood akin to Jackie McLean as on the assertive “Distance” but also able to give off warm moods during his pretty 3 minute “Sax Intro”. Glawishnig and Blake also get moments in the spotlight for song introductions, with the bassist allowed a lot of space on the floating “Drift” and gentle “Underground”. Palmer is muscular on the frenetic “Framework” and in a Kenny Dorham tone on “Distance” with the team showing visceral passion on “Dr. Teeth” and going peek-a-boo on the clever “Fox and Cat”. Post modern postings.