A solid new set of releases dropped this week, resulting in something like 20 recommendations in all. There’s some oddball recordings here, but for the most part, it’s Jazz of a straight-ahead variety that is the predominant sound. Also, a whole bunch of albums from debut and under-the-radar artists, so if you look over this list and feel like there’s something wrong with you for recognizing so few names… don’t. It’s not just you. Lots of new names and lots of new music for your consideration. Now, let’s begin…
David Weiss, Venture Inward: Trumpeter David Weiss leads a solid quintet of J.D. Allen (sax), Nir Felder (guitar), Luques Curtis (bass), and Jamire Williams (drums) through a set of renditions of compositions by Charles Moore, Andrew Hill, Tony Williams, and Herbie Hancock. While the music is relatively straight-ahead, it captures both the eccentricities of the original compositions and the personalities of the musicians now giving a new voice to those tunes. Just solid Jazz, likely to have some serious cross-appeal to both hardcore and casual fans alike. The quintet keeps the gas pedal close to the floor for most of the album, but their wonderful rendition of Andrew Hill’s “Pax” illustrates that they’re just as comfortable at slower speeds, as well. Pick of the Week.
