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Brad Wheeler: The Future Was Yesterday
That opener has me thinking of the classic Coltrane quartet—Tyner, Garrison, and Elvin Jones with Trane, circa Cresent, with a sound you'd classify as mainstream, but pushing the very limits of the category. That's the pattern for the entire disc. Though the collective sound is different from the Coltrane unit's, the group dynamic here is very interactive, full of surprises, with some gripping solo work by both Wheeler and pianist Laurence Hobgood, as well as lots of spirited conversations between the two.
If that's not enough, John Moulder kicks in with some searing guitar chops on a few tunes, most interestingly when Wheeler blows soprano, ripping off guitar-like licks in answer to Moulder's wailing on "Journey After Hours." But on "Foreign Affair" Moulder goes to the acoustic guitar, making that foreign affair sound Spanish, flamenco-like.
A great rhythm section, a vibrant saxophonist, and some fascinating compositions—all of them Wheeler-penned—full of unpredictable movement and odd turns. To pick a highlight out of a strong set, I'd have to go with the title tune, which is Joe Henderson-like in its fluid string of constant surprises.
An excellent set, cerebral and cooking at the same time, and when that guitar comes screaming in, kicking out the jams.
Track Listing
Inner Vision; When One Has Peace; Journey After Hours; Foreign Affair; The Political Mistral; Emily's Ballad; The Future Was Yesterday; On the Outside Looking In; French Vacations.
Personnel
Brad Wheeler
saxophone, tenorBrad Wheeler--soprano and tenor saxophones; Laurence Hobgood--piano; Rob Amster--bass; Frank Parker--drums; John Moulder: guitars.
Album information
Title: The Future Was Yesterday | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Origin Records
About Brad Wheeler
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