Canadian trombonist and composer Christian Overton puts together an impressive post-bop team through some clever originals on this recent release. Along with Shirantha Beddage/bs-as-bcl, Todd Pentney/p-key, Justin Gray/b and Morgan Childs he combines modal moods of acoustic modern sounds with some keyboard atmospheres reminiscent of Bitches Brew. The combination works well with the repetitive bass line that leads to some driving grooves on “Hyding Out” which also features the thick sounds of Beddages’ bari and the leader’s warm horn. Pentney’s rich touch on the piano is gracious on the gentle “Flow” and his delectable approach teams up well with Overton on the calm “Sota’s Song.” Gray’s bass ruminates well with some intriguing sounds as everyone ruminates well on the clever and contemplative “Glacier Intro” that melts into a hip medium drive to spotlight Beddage’s palpable reed work. The rhythm team is quite flexible, with Childs getting a chance to display his stick ware on the crisp and Impression-ish “Chasing Ghosts” that closes out the piece. Well written and performed modernizing of the tradition here. Whatever the test was that the title refers to, Overton and company pass it with flying colors
Ontario Arts Council