J.E.R.M features the young talents of: bassist Jacob William, drummer Ed Nicholson, tenor saxophonist Rolf Schloenvogt and pianist Michael Beck. This newly released outing brought to us by a multinational ensemble of Berklee School of Music grads, was recorded in 1999. And while the music is three years old, the band’s outlook and symmetry offers a refreshing outlook, featuring ten melodically tinged tone poems. Throughout many of these pieces, Schloenvogt solos atop rolling and tumbling drums and piano motifs. Essentially, the quartet opts for an animated yet persuasively climactic approach consisting of wavering crescendos and nicely constructed dreamscapes. Although the band’s modern jazz based initiatives provide the winning touch. In some respects, these frameworks rekindle thoughts of John Coltrane’s spiritually inclined ballad-based works. The band’s subtle vibrancy and focused modus operandi instills a flotation-like vibe. Hence, a strong outing that warrants repeated spins.

Info: jermquartet@compuserve.com