While We Have Time
Origin, 2023
8/10
The alto-sax player, composer and educator Maddie Vogler brings us on an adventure through the subtle beauty of everyday life, and the Chicago resident brings along Tito Carrillo, Matt Gold, Jake Shapiro, Samuel Peters and Neil Hemphill for the 9 originals.
“The Need To Be” opens the listen with flowing brass, Shapiro’s agile keys and Hemphill’s skilled drums for the warm jazz climate, and “Corridors” follows with a calmer presence that uses Sam Peters’ cozy bass superbly amid the soulful sax playing.
Further along, the rich “Industrielle” spotlights Carrillo’s radiant trumpet that helps make this the album’s best, while “Between Wakefulness And Sleep” allows Gold’s spirited guitar to complement the lush and dreamy delivery.
Close to the end, “Sunday Colors” focuses much on the cautious piano playing alongside the soft drums, and “Check Engine Light” exits the listen with a very collaborative and dynamic finish.
A listen to surrounds her Cuban roots, Vogler’s got a knack for storytelling, and her rhythmic and soulful approach to modern jazz is certainly appreciated.
Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Vibes On A Breath; Matt Otto- Umbra