This latest release by Snarky Puppy further advances their ambitious nature, making the band feel more like a movement than a collection of artists. Oh, there’s a collection, of course. There’s still a core of Michael League/b (who is actually listed way down in the credits), mixing and matching along with a handful of guitarists (Bob Lanzetti-Mark Lettieri-Chris McQueen), keyboardists (Justin Stanton-Bobby Sparks-Bill Laurance-Shaun Martin-Bernard Wright), percussionists (Nate Werth-Marcelo Woloski-Keita Ogawa), drummers (Jason Thomas-Larnell Lewis-Jamison Ross), a horn section (Mike Maher/tp-fh-Jay Jennings-tp-fh/Bob Reynolds/ts-ss, Chris Bullock/wwinds) and even a violinist in Zach Brock.
Not only is the size of the band flexible, but the two discs of 16 songs cover styles and elements of jazz that fit the palate of every fan as if it were a swinging episode of the Ed Sullivan Show; something for everybody.
What underlays the entire album is an accessible and relentless pulse and groove that makes each song like a rideable Class III whitewater; easy enough to navigate, but with enough turns, twists and waves to keep you alert. There are thick and bluesy Joe Bonamassa-y pieces like “Trinity” with Lanzetti, McQueen and Lattieri (is that the name of a guitar team or law firm?) digging in with Laurance in a similar indigo’d atmosphere on “Belmont”.
Tenor saxist Bob Reynolds, one of today’s most eloquent horn men, gets a chance to shine on the funky “Bet” while some rich trumpet textures surrounded by synths get slithery on the soulful “Cliroy”. Bernard Wright gets a cameo solo with his Prophet 10, with Jennings taking a nice outing on the grooving “Take It!” as both Ross and Lewis get a chance to percolate in the sunlight. The horn section simmers on the tropical “Mean Green” and even a hint of 80s Hall and Oats hits the disco floor on “Free Fall”, with a contrast in atmospheric pressure observed on the spacey “Fuel City”.
Reminiscent of Duke Ellington, League has a way of making each artist an integral part of the band, contributing an essential ingredient, but also making you wonder how the artist would sound on his own. Having seen many of these members in leading their own band, these SP albums feel like family reunions, with each artist bringing a favorite family recipe. Let the listener dig in.