Geof Bradfield Quintet: Quaver

While tenor saxophonist Geof Bradfield's versatile Chicago-based quintet does not play "free jazz" on Quaver— customary rhythmic and harmonic precepts underline every number—the music is explicitly adventurous and forward-looking, as Bradfield and his mates seize every chance to take flight within prescribed boundaries.

All the compositions are Bradfield's, and they range from powerful to placid, none of which seems to faze any members of the group, three of whom —Bradfield, bassist Clark Sommers, drummer Dana Hall—have been performing together in groups of various shapes and sizes for more than two decades. For Quaver, they enlisted the services of trumpeter Russ Johnson and guitarist Scott Hesse, both of whom prove to be excellent choices.

Johnson is especially lyrical and impressive on the album's lone ballad, "Nao Faz Mal" (Portuguese for "no worries"), and the gentle waltz "5 in 3," and Hesse is splendid whether out front or comping. Bradfield solos effectively in any context, while Sommers and Hall serve as a rhythmically adaptable and reliably creative rhythmic twosome. When teamwork is required, everyone seems more than happy to set self- indulgence aside and lend a helping hand or two.

The album is actually a hybrid, with the first half (Tracks 2-4 plus a brief Track 1 introduction of the group) recorded live at Chicago's well-known Green Mill nightclub, the second (Tracks 5-7) in-studio at Pro Musica, also in Chicago. While the second half is relatively more animated and straight-ahead than the Green Mill session, each has its moments of buoyancy and ardor, as well as moments that may not please those who prefer their jazz served more plainly.

In other words, while jazz of this nature may be an acquired taste for some enthusiasts, Quaver has much to offer those who listen thoughtfully and with an open mind.