Live
Rhythm Royale, 2023
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by the drummer and composer Towner Galaher, this 4th album as leader welcomes Lonnie Gasperini’s drums and Marvin Horne’s guitar for the spontaneous set that pays tribute to ‘50s and ‘60s jazz groups.
“One For McGriff” opens the listen with an infectious energy of bouncy rhythm and very fluid keys from Gasperini, and “Fever” follows with a warm groove flowing across the stylish landscape.
Further along, “Lover Man” leads with a stirring atmosphere before Horne’s meticulous guitar guides the expressive climate, while “Lonnie’s Funk” indeed gets funky with its strong attention to melody and animated presence.
Residing near the end, “Little Bit Of This. Little Bit Of That” illustrates a dynamic chemistry between the trio that’s hypnotic and alluring, and “Mellow Mood” continues that interaction with a dreamy, timeless jazz appeal.
Recorded during the Covid lockdown in a restaurant with a limited amount of friends and family present, Galaher and company play like they’re in a stadium and these 14 nostalgic tracks came out in less than 4 hours with plenty of bluesy, funky, swingin’ fun.
Travels well with: Esthesis Qarteut- Time Zones; Mark Ortwein- It Was Time