Resurgence!
Legacy, 2023
8/10
The drummer, producer and composer George Coleman Jr. is in some excellent company on this debut as leader, where he meshes his father’s Memphis jazz roots, his mother’s organ sound and his adoration of Cuban rhythms.
The brief, drum focused “The Call” opens the listen with Coleman Jr.’s fluid and inviting drumming, before “Rakin’ And Scrapin’” follows with Michael DiRubbo’s bright alto sax and George Coleman Sr.’s soulful tenor sax complementing the younger Coleman’s agile drumming.
Approaching the middle, “Little Green Men” benefits much from Brian Charette’s playful organ amid the rhythmic climate, while “Blues Inside Out” allows Paul Bollenback’s meticulous guitar work to shine in the timeless jazz display.
Further still, “Amsterdam After Dark” trims the pace back with an elegant intimacy that’s a bit mysterious and quite mesmerizing, and “Lilt” exits with the reflective brass and well timed keys that suit the meticulous drumming of the rich album highlight.
A cultured, animated and soulful listening experience, Coleman Jr. and company are certainly rooted in jazz, but also touch on blues, funk, soul and Latin moments across the diverse and exciting 14 tracks.
Travels well with: Trio Profondo- Mosaic; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads: Volume 1