Open Spaces
Origin, 2022
8/10
The saxophonist Matt Olson has made quite a name for himself performing in Chicago and the midwest, and his recent move to South Carolina has him in the company of Adib Young, Matt Dingledine, Shannon Hoover and Justin Watt on this swing, bop and ballad friendly set of originals.
“Ups And Downs” starts the listen with a lively energy as Olson’s playful brass is met with frisky drums from Watt and warm guitar lines from Dingledine, and “Redbud” follows with a calm, mesmerizing texture that places soprano sax in front of the subime musicianship.
The title track occupies the middle spot and emits a cozy spirit as Hoover’s precise bass is complemented by the agile drums and soulful sax, while “Violons d’Ingres” swings and grooves with an upbeat and dynamic delivery of timeless jazz.
Approaching the end, “Starts In 5” welcomes Young’s alto saxophone to the dance friendly climate, and “Insomnomania” exits the listen with fascinating sax acrobatics amid swift drumming and even quicker guitar lines.
An extremely soulful affair, Olson and all the players but Watts contribute tracks here, and it makes for a diverse yet very cohesive listen that all fans of jazz will appreciate.
Travels well with: Stephen Martin- High Plains; Nathan Borton- Each Step