Reggie Quinerly: Invictus

Drummer Reggie Quinelry's second release as a leader Invictus is a collection of short, tightly woven and compelling pieces that Quinerly and his quintet interpret with understated fervor and sublime elegance. Quinerly showcases his compositional and leadership skills while shunning the spotlight himself. He allows his sidemen ample room for soloing as he directs the intricacies of the music with superb dexterity.

On the delightfully angular "Light Work" for instance vibraphonist Warren Wolf creates intriguing tension within his own solo as his mallets gallop in crystalline tones, hesitate and then rush forward again. As the tune progresses Wolf and guitarist Yotam Silberstein engage in thrillingly agile and charming waltz as Quinerly leads the rhythm trio in subtle yet firm support of the duet.

Silbertein demonstrates his versatile musicianship and his mastery on his instrument throughout the album. He goes from the slow simmer of "Variations 24" where his improvisation expands in a serpentine meander around the melody to the eloquence and easy swing of his indigo hued soliloquy on the bluesy "Lester Grant." Pianist Christian Sands' takes his turn in the spotlight with an earthy, intricate and uplifting cascade of spontaneous notes.

Sands performs unaccompanied the modernistic and intimate "Kunst Uberlebt." His evocative, classically influenced, monologue unfurls with quiet passion and contemplative fury. Meanwhile his and Wolf's shimmering, resonant chords create a dark and expectant mood on the poetic and mystical "Nimzo Indian." Bassist Alan Hampton takes center stage with a lyrical and emotive extemporization while Quinerly embellishes the ensemble play with splashing cymbals and flowing, percussive flourishes.

Quinerly takes a rare turn in the soloist seat with a suave and sophisticated collection of dynamic beats and thuds on the boppish "Tavares." The track also features an engaging contrast between Wolf's cool and complex vibes and his bandmates' bubbling, percolating vamps.

With this sophomore effort Quinerly proves himself a well-rounded and accomplished musician. He deftly melds various influences into a cohesive whole and proves that his skills go beyond that of a virtuoso instrumentalist to one of an inventive composer, a meticulous arranger and an adroit bandleader.