Chris Hazelton: After Dark

After Dark from Chris Hazelton is a mesmerizing journey into the world of nighttime musings and atmospheric melodies. Jazz musicians are creatures of the wee small hours of the morning and dimly lit streets. Accordingly, Hazelton crafts a nostalgic and contemporary experience that sets the ambience for introspection and contemplation.

Joining Hazelton's B-3 organ on this journey through the realm of the night is a cohort of grit-and-shout Kansas City musicians, including baritone saxophonist Brett Jackson, guitarist Jamie Anderson, drummer John Kizilarmut and conguero master Pat Conway on several tracks. Establishing the mood that resonates with the essence of the night, the album's opening track is the George Coleman classic " Amsterdam After Dark." With the band laying down a compelling rhythm, Jackson's rich baritone swirls and swoops to establish the nocturnal narrative after which Hazelton's flowing B-3 sound completes the neo-noir feeling of a late-night encounter.

"Jammin' At The Kirk" is a contrafact line over the changes from "Pennies from Heaven." The number was written by the saxophonist Kerry Strayer and jumps from the get-go with some fabulous unison playing between Jackson and Anderson. As the number rolls out, the players create a tapestry of sound and a "jammin'" groove reminiscent of the Kansas City jazz scene. The Gerry Mulligan composition "Nightlights" captures the essence of late-night musings. Jackson's brooding horn expresses a dimly lit ambience before leading into Hazelton's layers of instrumentation conveying the images of moonlight streets.

Hazelton's virtuosity on the organ is undeniable and shines throughout the album. His performances are full of expressive phrasing and the interplay with the other members of the band is a testament to their synergy. These features are given full expression on the Jerome Richardson piece "The Groove Merchant." The number swings hard with a gospel flavor and a palpable cohesion among the band members, resulting in performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally relevant. In summation, this session offers a compelling journey through the mysteries and allure of the night.