David Brandom: Home

The music on David Brandom’s new CD feels just as familiar and soothing as the title would imply. With a special appeal to those looking for jazz that is tasteful and at yet stylized, the music is mellow and comfortable in its format and delivery. Brandom has performed and recorded with singing sensations Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, to jazz notables John Faddis and Randy Brecker, yet his debut recording stands on its own.

Home features eight contemporary and thoughtful Brandom originals. His quintet includes trumpet, piano, and guitar, with a potent bass and drum rhythm section. The compositions highlight interesting horn arrangements with catchy melodies interspersed with solid solo performances. Brandom’s prowess on tenor sax and keen writing skills are the key to the recording, as he shows when fleshing out rich solos on the title selection “Home,” which features soothing interplay between sax, trumpet, and guitar. On the bluesy and soulful “Gusano Loco,” the outcome is an upbeat groove with sharp solo expressions from trumpeter Jim O’Connor and pianist Tim Regusis.

The overall mood of Home is one of mellowing comfort that feels pleasant, yet never mundane. The musicians gel nicely on in this mode with highlights like the delicate cymbal work on “MOB” by drummer Ron Vincent, or the smooth guitar work by Steve Cardenas on the thoughtful “When I Hold You.” Bassist Cliff Schmidt holds the line throughout the recording with robust bottom work, as he does on the closing Wes Montgomery tune “Full House,” keeping it tight.

They say home is where the heart is and for fans looking for some mellow jazz, Brandom’s Home just might find a place all its own.

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