Leigh Pilzer: Keep Holding On

Baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer is a member of A-list orchestras like the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra, among others.  She is also an exciting improviser and bandleader in her own right.  Her third release as a leader, the captivating Keep Holding On, is with her organ trio and features guest brass players on five tracks. It consists entirely of original material, most composed by Pilzer herself, and is firmly rooted in the mainstream jazz tradition.

The effervescent "Js and Ks" has a laid-back groove that organist Paul Bratcher and drummer Greg Holloway create.  Guest trombonist Jen Krupa engages Pilzer in a crisp and whimsical duet before taking her place in the spotlight. Her muted horn embellishes the main theme with pillowy tones, pushing its boundaries.  Pilzer follows with her intriguing and intelligent improvisation, made up of muscular sax lines replete with gritty vibrato and plenty of lyricism.

Trumpeter Ally Hany Albrecht joins the group on the cinematic "When It's Gone."   Her resonant trumpet is a perfect complement to Pilzer's sinewy saxophone.  Bratcher takes center stage with a multilayered performance that sets a delightfully tense mood. Albrecht stretches out in an incandescent, spontaneous melody.  Pilzer then responds with an elegant extemporization full of bittersweet tones.  It is, however, the concluding four-way conversation that is most memorable due to its seamless camaraderie and creative eloquence.

Another trombonist, Joe Jackson makes a guest appearance on the cool and suave "Sideburns."  Jackson's extroverted style gives both his solo and the tune a playful edge.  Pilzer matches Jackson in lightheartedness and virtuosity as the two egg one another onto new heights in their dialogue.  Bratcher and Holloway provide buoyant support and add to the upbeat ambiance with their spirited whimsy.

Trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse joins Pilzer on the front line on Holloway's "G's Bop." Each musician takes their turn extemporizing on the piece's catchy motifs.  Holloway drives the quartet's interplay with percolating beats that sometimes burst to the surface with thrilling results.

Bratcher penned the funky "Zingamomma," a hard-bop song with an infectious cadence.  Over Bratcher's heady, dense chords, Pilzer blows with soulful swagger.  Bratcher contributes hard-hitting, electrifying phrases that lead to a breathtakingly stimulating conclusion.

On this uniformly absorbing album, Pilzer keeps the momentum going with the variety of sub-genres she covers.  Yet, throughout, she maintains a thematic unity.  These two features, together with the high-caliber musicianship involved, make Keep Holding On a highly enjoyable recording with wide appeal.