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Michael Blanco: Spirit Forward
ByA few listens to this album make it clear that Blanco's drink of choice is one that's both familiar to the taste buds at first sip and far-reaching in the way it hits the palate on the back end. Much of that is due to the chemical reactions engendered by this mixture of musicians. With Ellis, a longtime Blanco colleague who's both tuneful and adventurous in his approach, the bassist-composer brings the central flavors of his music to the fore; in Hays, Blanco found a kindred spirit who follows and writes any and all manner of recipes, be they simple and harmonious or complex and powerful; and through Penn, Blanco filters his own heartbeat and finds different rhythmic avenues to pursue.
The album opens with "The Mystic Chord," a taste of Alexander Scriabin as viewed through a post-modern mindset. Blanco breaks apart that composer's trademarked six-note chord and transforms it into a bass line to propel the music. He locks in beautifully with Penn, who nudges, pushes, and drives through everything. Ellis, meanwhile, sings, struts, and swoops through the song in appealing fashion, and Hays covers all the bases, doubling bass lines, twisting through the harmony as a soloist, and supporting the entire ensemble. It's a first glance at what proves to be an irresistible musical work brimming with bright thoughts, creative gestures, and well-built songs.
The program keeps on moving with "Notes From Underground," a waltz that nods to basement jazz clubs and the bass line that leavens the song. It provides a good opportunity to hear Blanco as a soloist, adding measured thoughts that make their mark and stand in sharp contrast to Ellis' stronger personality currents and Hays' sprightly finger dance. The numbers that followthe melodious "Song Without Words," the swinging title track, the straight and flowing "Acrobat," the irresistibly bluesy "Last Stable Orbit"all bring out different aspects of Blanco's personality while showcasing everybody in the group. "Reasons To Be Pretty," a low-key charmer that's perfect for Hays, and "The Boulevardier," a curtain-closing swinger that takes structural cues and inspiration from Thelonious Monk's "Green Chimneys," round out the playlist on the highly enjoyable Spirit Forward. It's a truly fulfilling listen from the first notes to the last.
Track Listing
The Mystic Chord; Notes From Underground; Song Without Words; Spirit Forward; Acrobat; Last Stable Orbit; Reasons To Be Pretty; The Boulevardier.
Personnel
Michael Blanco: bass; John Ellis: saxophones; Kevin Hays: piano; Clarence Penn: drums.
Album information
Title: Spirit Forward | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records
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