For all the rambunctious energy that Blackman, Murray, Russo are capable of generating on their new album Turning Point, it's their most quiet moment that truly leaves a lingering spell. Tucked away at the end of the record, “The Yearning" reflects the pensive atmosphere of winter as Blackman's piano caresses like the icy kiss of falling snow. It's poetry in slow motion, words translated into sound. The group certainly has a way of leading listeners into surprises such as that; instead of waving goodbye in a whirlwind groove, the band peacefully fades into the good night.
Featuring Blackman, bassist Max Murray, and drummer Frank Russo, the trio is fueled not only by their individual skills but the chemistry that exists within them as a unit. On their version of Peter Gabriel's 1986 smash “Sledgehammer," the group jams in breathtaking fashion. Blackman's jumpy piano, Murray's thumping bass, and Russo's jumpy drums perhaps raise even more R&B intensity than Gabriel's original, and guest Donny McCaslin's swirling, soaring saxophone knocks it out of the park. The band is having so much fun covering the Gabriel hit that its inclusion doesn't feel like it was for commercial considerations; in fact, it's an accessible way of displaying their collective strengths.
McCaslin's presence adds some spice to the record. On the title track, his saxophone weaves a fetching melody that gradually builds up to a scorching performance. Similarly, Blackman's playing switches from a mellow stance to a more energized tempo as Russo's drums crash with authority. These lads must kill it in live performance with this song.
Another of the album's highlights is “Pure Imagination," in which Russo's tribal drumming, Murray's electrifying bass, and Blackman's lively piano connect like birds in synchronized flight. They seem to be carried away by the music itself, taking our daydreams along for the ride.
Featuring Blackman, bassist Max Murray, and drummer Frank Russo, the trio is fueled not only by their individual skills but the chemistry that exists within them as a unit. On their version of Peter Gabriel's 1986 smash “Sledgehammer," the group jams in breathtaking fashion. Blackman's jumpy piano, Murray's thumping bass, and Russo's jumpy drums perhaps raise even more R&B intensity than Gabriel's original, and guest Donny McCaslin's swirling, soaring saxophone knocks it out of the park. The band is having so much fun covering the Gabriel hit that its inclusion doesn't feel like it was for commercial considerations; in fact, it's an accessible way of displaying their collective strengths.
McCaslin's presence adds some spice to the record. On the title track, his saxophone weaves a fetching melody that gradually builds up to a scorching performance. Similarly, Blackman's playing switches from a mellow stance to a more energized tempo as Russo's drums crash with authority. These lads must kill it in live performance with this song.
Another of the album's highlights is “Pure Imagination," in which Russo's tribal drumming, Murray's electrifying bass, and Blackman's lively piano connect like birds in synchronized flight. They seem to be carried away by the music itself, taking our daydreams along for the ride.
