Blues For Vita
Deep Tone, 2024
8/10
The tenor sax legend Paul Carlon is joined by Eddie Allen, Harvie S, Helio Alves and Willie Martinez for these Latin jazz spirited songs that are both standards and originals.
“Dee Dot” starts the listen with Martinez’s frisky drums that suit the lively sax via an infectious climate, and “Colored Paper” follows with a calmer mood, where Allen’s soulful trumpet complements Alves’ bouncy keys.
The title track lands at the halfway point, and showcases plenty of meticulous interaction between the rhythm section and wind, while “Never Will I Marry” is a frisky album highlight that’s full of soaring sax, animated trumpet and S’s playful bass.
“Unmute” and “Zooming Into The Void” exit the listen. The former is a scrappy moment of vivid instrumentation, and the latter exits with intimacy, where the hazy sax tugs on the heartstrings alongside soft drumming, cozy bass and mature piano.
This is Carlon’s 6th album as leader, and he incorporates blues, R&B, bebop and soul into the worldly jazz flavor that radiates timelessness and style.
Travels well with: Jeremy Monteiro and Sean Hong- The New Jersey Sessions; Zachary Bartholomew- Balancing Act