The Bill Horvitz Band: The Disappearance

One-time New York downtown scene guitarist Bill Horvitz aligns with saxophonist Steve Adams of ROVA and drummer Joseph Sabella for this jaunty, bass-less trio set. The title might refer to his occasional absence from the global jazz scene, but the music marks a jubilant return to action.

The trio navigates through nooks and crannies with an up-tempo mode of attack. Subtle traces of North African modal concepts, funky grooves and tricky unison maneuvers allow the band to generate a powerful impetus. Adams' whirling sax lines serve as a strong foil for Horvitz' multipurpose voicings and scathing single-note flurries; the latter periodically cranks up the volume controls for an avant-rock effect. Sparked with loose grooves and torrid soloing endeavors, the trio mixes it up rather nicely.

This divergent session also features a few introspective moments where the artists dig deep from within. Other highlights include wily free bop pieces and intricately designed three-way dialogues where the band goes for broke. Ultimately, I hope that Horvitz doesn't wane from the jazz scene for an extended period. This optimistic gathering of like-minded musicians packs a prodigious wallop!

Eagerly recommended.