The Color Of Angels
Origin, 2022
8/10
The always impressive Doug Scarborough returns with a new batch of jazz tunes, and he’s got Akram Abdulfattah, Jeremy Siskind, Damian Erskine, Mustafa Boztuy and Reinhardt Melz along for the ride.
The title track opens the listen with swift keys from Siskind, as Scarborough’s bright brass and Melz’s frisky drumming guide the timeless jazz climate, and “Limitless” follows with a soulful approach where Abdulfattah’s precise violin adds much to the thoughtful landscape.
In the middle, the punchy drumming of “You Are Brave Enough” meshes well with the agile keys as a hypnotic demeanor unfolds, while “Imaginal Cells” finds plenty of grooves to cultivate amid the strategic bass from Erskine.
“Arabesque” arrives near the end, and showcases sublime piano work alongside the emotive trombone and moody strings, and “The Source Of The Longest River” finishes the listen with warm melodies and equal attention from all the players that you can’t help but admire.
An often cinematic sounding affair, Scarborough’s trombone prowess and composing skills are top notch as always, and The Color Of Angels serves as a great starting point for the first time listener, and a must for the longtime fan.
Travels well with: Ben Thomas Tango Project- Eternal Aporia; Jared Hall- Seen On The Scene