Paul Colombo Group: Mabrouka

Guitarist Paul Colombo is blessed in his collaborative album, Mabrouka, with a group of imaginative and inspired sidemen, including, most notably, keyboardist Ron Thomas. This is Colombo's sophomore outing, following Rio Crystal (Vectordisc Records, 2021), and Thomas, bassist Andy Alonso and drummer Chris Lōser make return appearances on Mabrouka. Add guest slots by flutist Tom Strohman and organist Andy Roberts, along with acoustic bassist Steve Meashey on six tunes.

The set is tagged, accurately, as a "contemporary jazz record." Of the 10 tunes presented, nine are Colombo originals. "Eleanor Rigby," from the Beatles' songbook, sits in as the lone cover. It seems to come from outer space as Colombo and Thomas lay down an expansive opening that gels into the familiar melody when Colombo introduces it. The mood of the disc is indeed contemporary, following a soundscaping that parallels pianist Herbie Hancock's fusion period, before and after his Head Hunters (Columbia, 1973). "Homestyle," the disc's opener, has a brightness to its sound, in the mode of the approach of Pat Metheny, featuring some terrific comping from Thomas and Colombo on a lively bass solo from Meashy.

The title tune goes deep into the groove, a momentum that moves relentlessly on Loser's powerful drum shuffle. The group encompasses a diverse range of styles, including funk, African rhythms, blues, and Latin sounds. "JB," a nod to Jeff Beck—recorded the day the guitarist passed away—is presented with a beautiful orchestral vibe, sounding, in the beginning, like something Don Sebesky might have crafted, while "Jazz" has a Wes Montgomery feel—if only Montgomery had hooked up with a keyboardist who had the freedom and out there potential that Ron Thomas holds in his hands.

An exceptionally well-crafted and exploratory contemporary jazz outing.