Tim O'Dell & Tatsu Aoki: Ancient Pines

"Anticipation" finds the two artists in a musical conversation where call and response carry equal weight. O'Dell's alto wails mournfully with seamless phrases that belie his emotional designs. Much of the album contains the same kind of reflective quality. Carrying a blues foundation and providing plenty of room for spontaneity, the program connects intuitively with his audience.

Aoki parallels the saxophonist's refrains much of the time, stretching out only when their musical partnership opens a door for it. His creative energy complements the session with authority. As the duo romps on "Opinions," for example, you can feel the exotic flavors flowing from both directions. O'Dell is all over the place with excitement, while Aoki pumps up the festive mood with a rock-solid rhythmic foundation.

The album's title track, a three-part suite with the trombone sound of Ryan Schultz's bass trumpet factored in, takes us back to the roots of jazz and beyond. Grasping primitive elements and allowing them to take center stage, the trio explores communication from its earliest partnerships. Together, they move through serene landscapes and on to fiery surroundings. They create impressions that let their audience travel through time and space.

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