Ark Ovrutski: Journey Moments

In lineage with his previous releases—notably Sounds of Brasil (self produced, 2011) and Intersection (Origin, 2016))—bassist/band-leader/composer Ark Ovrutski's fourth release Journey Moments is a tightly wound, expertly realized collection of five originals and four like-minded covers that nudge Ovrutski closer to the upper ranks of today's jazz.

Journey Moments creates an overall sense of time and place, how we move from one moment to the next, interpreting our lives in the quieter moments. Launching with the loose-limbed rhythms of "Second Line" and a blow-out, Eddie Harris-style performance from sax-man Myron Walden that allows plenty of head space for Ovrustki, pianist Benito Gonzalez and drummer McClenty Hunter to introduce themselves to the rhythmic mix and a deep taste of what to expect next. And next is Frank Foster's feverish "Simone," coming off an opening wash of cymbals, bass, and sax, and blooming into a full-blown hard-bopping, time-honored Blue Note 60's-style session. With that in mind, Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" is an unapologetically bump-and-jump fest, the quartet celebrating their creativity with sheer ribaldry.

Besides the fluidity of the quartet, most obvious is the wit and textured nuance Ovrutski brings to his music, be it original compositions or cherished covers. Glowing examples are the humorous play between bass and sax on Ron Carter's "For Toddler's Only" (Carter also provided the descriptive liner notes), the New York meets New Orleans beat of "New Orleans" and the percussive drive of "Sounds of Brasil."