Convergence: Reckless Meter

Colorado has long nurtured a quietly serious jazz scene, and Reckless Meter makes a compelling case that Convergence ranks among its most seasoned examples. This is not a band formed for convenience or novelty; it is an ensemble built through years of shared bandstands, rehearsals, and the kind of musical debates that foster trust. Pianist Eric Gunnison, trumpeter Greg Gisbert, saxophonist John Gunther, trombonist Mark Patterson, bassist Mark Simon, and drummer Paul Romaine perform here with the relaxed authority of musicians who know not only what they want to express but exactly how their colleagues will respond.

Recorded before a live audience in Denver in 2019, the album boldly explores time, form, and movement, yet nothing here feels vague. The opening track, "Big Boot," immediately sets that tone. Sassy, upbeat, and full of confidence, it unleashes the horns over a rhythm section that swings strongly without shouting. Solos are fully developed, with Gunther's saxophone, flexible and searching; Gisbert's trumpet, sharp yet poetic; and Gunnison approaching the keyboard with the kind of harmonic insight that keeps everyone honest. "Springaling" is driven by a sense of urgency that thrives on forward propulsion and rhythmic tension. Romaine is especially compelling here with his incisive drumming, nudging the ensemble into new territory. Gunnison's piano lines dart and pivot, creating a sense of coiled momentum. The horn writing is sharply etched, alternating between a collective punch and conversational interplay, with improvisation among Gisbert, Gunther, and Patterson building in intensity through rhythmic invention and melodic economy.

That intensity flows naturally in "Margaret Clara," a track that highlights the band's lyrical core. The tempo slows, and the ensemble breathes more freely, allowing melody and tone to take centre stage. The horns blend with a warmth that feels conversational rather than ornamental. Patterson's trombone adds a rounded vocal quality to the front line. Gunnison's touch is measured, reflective, and harmonically rich. While the rhythm section supports the chart with subtle, unforced swing, bassist Simon steps up with a big-toned, inventive solo. The album's most expansive statement is "Cauldron," the longest track of the session. Darker in tone and exploratory in spirit, it unfolds patiently, permitting ideas to simmer and evolve. The rhythm section, led by the forceful, propulsive drumming of Romaine, establishes an undercurrent as layered horn lines thicken the texture. Solos by Gunther and Gunnison develop narratively, probing, stretching, and resolving with deliberate care, rewarding close listening.

The title track, "Reckless Meter," finishes the album with lively energy. Virtuosity, precise ensemble playing, and genuine joy come together in a final celebration of the band's identity. Modern jazz remains rooted in tradition, influenced by experience and driven by a strong collective trust.