I’ll Never Be The Same
Gut String, 2021
8/10
Listen to I’ll Never Be The Same
Even though he’s a youngster, the tenor sax virtuoso Jack Brandfield delivers like a seasoned vet here, where Randy Napoleon’s guitar and Rodney Whitaker’s bass accompany him across a dozen interpretations of the Great American Songbook.
“Nobody Else But Me” starts the listen with Brandfield’s warm, energetic sax playing as Napoleon’s guitar and Whitaker’s bass complement the elegant and timeless jazz climate superbly, and “Vignette” follows with a light and agile approach where spirited guitar lines are met with flowing brass in a glorious setting.
Landing in the middle, the title track emits a soulful quality amid a romantic mood of sophisticated instrumentation, while “Andorinha” gets even more calm with an emotive approach that’s both stirring and meditative. “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me”, one of the album’s best, then displays Brandfield’s strong sax skills alongside carefully plucked bass and it results in a tune so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.
Closer to the end, the lively “Bossa Nova Ova” radiates all sorts of cultured rhythm in its precise and dance friendly delivery, and “Wildwood” exits the listen with all instruments taking their turn in the spotlight as much grace, playfulness and creativeness is present.
An extremely well crafted affair, the absence of drums doesn’t depart from the impact at all, as trio turn in a glowing debut album that hints at Brandfield one day achieving the legacy of those he covers.
Travels well with: David Larsen- The Mulligan Chronicles; Lyle Workman- Uncommon Measures