Vintage hard and post bop is covered here by alto saxist Pureum Jin, leading a muscular ensemble of Jeremy Manisa/p, Luke Sellick/b and Willie Jones III/dr through a set of mostly originals and a handful of covers.
Her tone is warm and bright, just this side of Jackie McLean, bopping hard with Manasia on the swinging “Trembling Forward” and lovely on the thoughtful “Fireflies.” She gives a tribute to maestro alto saxist Phil Woods on a bluesy “Remembering Mr. Woods” and bounces over Jones’ ricocheting sticks on the dramatic “Seminole Trail,” giving a Coltranesque feel alongside Sellick’s bass on the simmering take of “Speak Low.” Vocalist Sabeth Perez brings an artsy feel to the dreamy rubato of “The Song Of Silence” and Jin’s delicate side is well presented on a closing duet with Manasia on the graceful “When Blue Gets Blue.” A must for fans of vintage Blue Note sounds, and who isn’t?