Logan Richardson: Ethos (2009)

Laurel Gross

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2007

Laurel Gross has written features for The New York Times and is a former arts and entertainment editor at The New York Post and Variety.

Recent articles (43 total)

Published: April 4, 2009

Logan Richardson is an enterprising and resourceful young alto player, composer and bandleader. Like his well-received debut, Cerebral Flow (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2007), Ethos—also favoring a concept-driven title—shows off Richardson's ample technique and compositions imbued with feeling. His 14 originals move between a variety of tempos, structures and moods, giving a nod to sensible architecture while containing and perhaps even celebrating much looser, experimental freeform elements, marrying skillful restraint with spirited improvisation.

Richardson has wisely enlisted a group of like-minded instrumentalists who understand and underscore his ideas with reliability and subtlety. Even the looser sequences are realized with logic and intention and don't derail into meandering, unfocused or indulgent exercises. This talented crew includes Mike Pinto (vibes), Gregg Ruggiero (guitar), Patrick Petty (cello), Chris Tordini (bass) and versatile drummer Tommy Crane.

As a player, Richardson has good tone, control and ideas—a triumvirate of promising qualities that carry him ably through this project and should wear well over time. As for his originals, they offer a diverse range of character from intimate and reflective, sometimes pretty, and on through the energetic, propulsive and probing. Strong, expressive alto solos float over supportive vocalizing by Colin Killalea as well as airily decorate a delicate web of lovely vibes by Pinto (whose own amiable composition "Vaal" is the sole piece not by Richardson).

Track Listing: Soundtrack; Dissolving Resolution of Childhood; In Searching; Plugged In; Faith; Vaal; Thin Line; Prelude to Wanting; Wanting; Tricky; Chance; Open Doors; Philanthropic Landscapes; Isometric; Pathos.

Personnel: Logan Richardson: alto saxophone; Colin Killalea: vocals; Mike Pinto: vibraphone; Gregg Ruggiero: guitar; Patrick Petty: cello; Chris Tordini: bass: Tommy Crane: drums.

Record Label: Inner Circle Music
Style: Modern Jazz