Each Step
Origin, 2022
8/10
Nathan Borton brings his impressive and timeless guitar playing to these stylish and lively tunes that tip their hat to legends like Wes Montgomery and Grant Green, and he’s got Xavier Davis, Rodney Whitaker, Keith Hall, Diego Rivera and Chris Glassman along for the ride.
The title track opens the listen with Davis’ agile piano against Borton’s spirited guitar and precise drumming from Hall, and “Just One Of Those Things” follows with an upbeat and glowing display of crisp and melodic jazz.
Halfway through, “Milestones” showcases Rivera’s soulful sax prowess amid the frisky tempo and swinging fun, while “What Now?” moves calmly with much beauty imbedded into the playful bass from Whitaker and charming piano.
Further along, “Change” offers a gorgeous execution of cautious brass alongside flowing keys and warm guitars, and “Grant’s Groove” exits the listen with no lack of grooves indeed, where all 5 players emit much chemistry.
Even though it’s his debut, you certainly wouldn’t know it, as Borton and company find plenty of rhythm and blues to be found in their unpredictable jazz formula that you can’t listen to just once.
Travels well with: Piet Verbist- Secret Exit To Another Dimension; Doug Scarborough- The Color Of Angels