Pianist and composer Mariah Parker puts together a flowing and pastoral team that shows inspiration from the group Oregon, fitting, since soprano saxist Paul McCandless is situated well in this ensemble as well. Along with Matthew Montfort/g, Gary Brown/b, Mark Walker/dr, Daniel Feldman-Michaelle Goerlitz-Ian Dogole/perc and Claudia Villela/voc, Parker weaves impressionistic and flowing ideas with an undercurrent of Andalusian romance.
There’s a serenity to the gentle flow from McCandless on “The Very Wings” and the ethereal “Windows Through Time” that mix jazz and world music ideas. Parker’s piano adds dynamics to the earthy folk feel of “Espiritu Samba” , and Montfort’s scalloped fretboard guitar slithers around “Duende” and Walker’s drums build up drama on “Sol de Barcelona”. McCandless’ work throughout is a unifying source, with a solo on “Rendezvous” that is one of the highlights of this spirited collection. Look for this one.