Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet: Situation

This is the third album by the Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet and, on it, they continue to refine their integration of jazz, country and classical styles into a more expansive and complex whole. Their use of vibraphone, pedal steel and harp, in addition to the more common instruments of guitar, saxophone and bass, gives the group a uniquely layered sound that can be delicate or driving. The instruments combine into sound collages that blend the ethereal with toughness. The string players usually contribute delicacy and buoyancy while Alex Coke's sax playing brings rich emotion into the mix.

The group's growing confidence is shown on their versions of three pieces by prominent jazz composers. Carla Bley's "440" receives a Caribbean lilt through the combination of Coke's flute, Carolyn Trowbridge's vibes and Elaine Barber's harp, with Carl Michel adding rock rhythm on guitar. Thelonious Monk's "Crepuscule With Nellie" creeps out unsteadily with guitar and sax in the lead. A massed background of harp, vibes and Bob Hoffnar's pedal steel give the tune a woozy glow. On Wayne Shorter's "Miyako," tenor and pedal steel rise romantically through a curtain of vibes and harp. The sextet also makes two lovely forays into the classical world. Respighi's "Pines of Rome" becomes a subdued feature for the string players and a sprightly version of "Aquarium" from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" really captures the sense of wonder in that composition.

Most of the album contains original works by the band members. Of those, one highlight is tenor and vibes dancing actively through a misty Asian backdrop on "The Seeker." "Sketchy" features a brittle mesh of strings enhanced by flute, with harp and pedal steel cascading gently over James Suter's bass. "Situation" is an elaborate tango dominated by flute and guitar, and "221" is a swirling melodic waltz where pedal steel shadows the tenor melody.

This sextet's blending of voices is more confident than ever. The instruments slide together with precision and grace, creating a unique chamber music with classical formality and the relaxed openness of jazz. A classical-jazz hybrid that sounds this organic and natural is a rarity. The Coke-Michel Sextet is a unique group and this is their finest recording to date.