Warm harmonies and solos by tenor saxist Arman Sangalan and trombonist Kirby Fellis dominate this co-op album of mostly band written tunes. Don’t get me wrong, pianist Austyn Menk, bassist Morgan Turner and drummer Paul Barrilles are integral part of this unit, as Menk is gentle during the big build up for soloist Turner on “If Only For A Moment”, as well as producing some reflective Debussy-esque ideas on “Contemplation”.
But Sangalang’s breathy tenor floats like a cirrus cloud on his “Easy Does It” and is as puffy as cotton candy for “February 4th”. Likewise, Fellis is simply fun and fest on the bold and beautiful read of “On The Sunny Side of the Street” and crystal clear on the easy swing of “Cece And The Rabbit”. The two horns coalesce gorgeously over the sizzling rhythm section, particularly on the sleek “Fragment/Fracture” and snappy “The Challenge”. Palpable textures that groove.