Fo(u)rth
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The veteran Canadian drummer Anthony Fung returns with a 3rd LP that pays tribute to his mentor, Ralph Peterson, and his mantra of ‘onward and upward' with these 8 dynamic songs that recruit Mark Turner, Michael Ragonese and Luca Alemanno.
“The Valley” gets the listen off to a frisky start, where Fung’s precise drums and Turner’s soulful sax make for a warm climate, and “A Second Chance” follows with the bright sax complementing Ragonese’s playful key progressions.
“UTOPIA” arrives in the middle, and carries a charming intimacy thanks to the glowing brass and meticulous drums, while “The Upside Down” benefits much from the emotive interaction between the quartet’s cautious approach.
Close to the end, the energetic “Boo Boo’s Birthday” finds a festive place to reside with its animated demeanor, and “Hero Song” exits with strong attention to mood and Alemanno’s cozy bass making for a dreamy finish.
A listen that balances written moments and improvisation, Fung and company flesh out skilled balladry and adventurous sounds that will be relevant in the jazz world for decades to come.
Travels well with: Hery Paz- Jardineros; Max Gerl- Max Gerl