Lincoln Adler: Are You In There?

Adler’s compositions light fires and settle his ensemble into a groove that shines with mainstream substance and added funkiness. Yes, funk, as the titles "Listen Up," "Hipnotic Suggestion" and "Mmm Hmm!" imply. Ernest Tibbs’ electric bass pops and the guitar harmony of either Anthony Wilson or Rick Musallam balances, as the leader’s tenor melodies take off. Two ballads with widely different approaches employ the services of drummer David Tull and bassist Tim Emmons. "You Don’t Know What Love Is" appears suave and sexy with guest vocalist Moira Dahling, while "Look for the Silver Lining" turns a lyrical corner with Adler singing. His smooth bass voice is half singing and half speaking in a warm and mellow tone which tends to keep the arrangement both serious and sincere. While the title track takes a purist nonchalant mainstream approach, others, such as Adler’s "Mysteriosa," combine a healthy riff with combined horn melodies for added variety. The saxophonist’s eclectic program contains a little of something for everyone, but his look back at jazz that rocked a listener in his chair serves to put a light of recognition in today’s fragmented jazz window.

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