David Ambrosio: Four On The Road

Bassist David Ambrosio and his trio indulge in smooth sailing, partly due to alto saxophonist Loren Stillman's feathery tones via these largely, medium-tempo bop works, complete with contrapuntal type exchanges and spry breakouts.

Several of these piece seem to intertwine within a similar framework and cadence, although there are a few free-form sorties, sparked by Ambrosio and drummer Russ Meisner's asymetrical patterns and staggered flows. On the flip side, the the rhythm section consistently lays out a pronounced, yet fluid bottom, executed as a forum for the saxophonist's lyrical soloing, bluesy extended notes and circular phrasings.

One piece in particular that deviates from the other tracks is "Legroom," which is constructed with a jazz waltz groove and a loping gait. Here, Meisner lights a fire amid blitzing flurries and polyrhythmic fills, as Stillman progressively inserts a retrospective sensibility, moving forward with succinct and melodious high notes. However, Ambrosio generates a poignant emotive aspect during his meticulous and unhurried solo during the bridge. Hence, the trio brings it all back home.

The band conveys a tightly focused musicality that draws upon the musicians respective technical gifts and resiliency. Although there are glaring similarities between most of these comps and movements, the set that sounds like a jaunty after-hours jam session.

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