Medler Sextet: River Paths

There are two Medlers in the Portland, Oregon-based Medler Sextet—tenor saxophonist Michelle and bassist Ben—who together comprise the nucleus of a sturdy ensemble whose harmonious empathy and distinctive point of view should please most advocates of thought-based contemporary jazz.

Having said that, it should be noted that the studio date's all-original composition makeup—five charts by Ben Medler, another by Michelle—delivers songs that are acceptable but no more than that. In other words, there is nothing on offer that would stand alone and above the faces in a crowd. What the group does—and does well—is secure the best possible results from the material at hand.

The session opens and closes with competing yet none too dissimilar versions of a "Subway Jam" (morning, then evening), on both of which Michelle Medler and her front-line companions—trumpeter Paul Mazzio and trombonist John Moak—are given ample room to improvise, as are Ben Medler, drummer Todd Bishop and pianist Clay Giberson (whose electric piano, on "Philly Soul Strut" and "Night Party," is a pleasure to hear).

Ben Medler wrote the sunny "River Paths," buoyant "Philly Soul Strut" and immutably rhythmic "Night Party," Michelle Medler the purposely low-key "Smoldering." As noted, the sextet gives every one of them its best shot, ushering in several warm and pleasurable moments and making River Paths at least worth one's time and consideration.

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