Clark Gibson: Counterclock

Saxophonist Clark Gibson's Counterclock demonstrates the synergy that can be generated by an outstanding group of performers, including trumpeter Sean Jones, trombonist Michael Dease, Hammond B-3 organist Pat Bianchi, vibraphonist Nick Mancini and drummer extraordinaire Lewis Nash. While pushing the boundaries, the set list, with one exception, is made up of original compositions by Gibson and Mancini.

The opener, "Conflict," captures Gibson's emotive alto saxophone work as he is pushed along by Nash's drumming and Bianchi's solid melodic choices. Dease keeps the pot boiling with a trombone solo played with hungry enthusiasm. The follow-up is the title track and features some nifty unison and interplay sections among the musicians, with trumpeter Jones offering an exceptionally responsive solo. Gibson has taken several disparate elements in the arrangement and crafted an engaging sonic experience.

Gibson's tone is warm and soulful, and the arrangements are structured to leave plenty of space for each instrumentalist. The lengthiest track, "Tunisia," is set up by a big, dramatic chart in which Bianchi extracts every last drop of buzz from his instrument. George Gershwin's "Embraceable You" is the sole cover in the set. Recorded live at the Lowdown Jazz Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it is also the only ballad in the session. The number features Gibson's lyrical and introspective side and invites listeners to emotionally connect with the music and the musician.

The closer is "Boptude," which is a blazing bop line. Gibson and Dease face off in gruff low-registers. Mancini's vibes slide evenly from one pitch to another without a break in the sound.