Today’s generation of the new sounds of jazz is represented on this release by vibist Joel Ross and his recording team of Immanuel Wildkins/as, Jeremy Corren/p, Kanoa Mendenhall/b, Jeremy Dutton/dr and guest Gabrielle Garo/fl. Ross keeps an eye to the past, respecting the tradition of his elders, but brings his own worldview into the music, as both the originals and covers reflect thoughtful journeys of ideas.
With Garo’s flute, the team creates an elegant chant between the woodwind and piano on “chant” (with all titles in the spirit of ee cummings), whereas Wilkinson’s alto is multi-layerd on the soft, passionate and graceful “bach(God the Father in Eternity)”. Mendenhall digs deep for a foundation of ideas as vibes, piano and alto sax ruminate on “what am i waiting for?”, with a collection of mods on the rubato goes dramatic declaration on the crying “mellodee”. The bop roots are evident in the joyful but textured read of Thelonious Monk’s “evidence” with Wilkins taps into his Coltrane mood on “equinox” and the ensemble creates a surprisingly easy gait on the semi serene “central park west”. The mix of ballads and blues are served well here, with Ross, even as leader, the ultimate team player.