Return Of The Light
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The renaissance man, Joe Elefante, guides his quintet through personal songs that include a couple of covers and both gentle and energetic moments.
“Jazz For Dummies” starts with Freddie Hendrix’s bright trumpet and Dave Heilman’s animated drums making for a busy jazz climate, and “Mudita” follows with Sameer Shankar’s low bass amid the firm keys and well timed wind for a cautious yet exploratory moment.
Further along, the playful “Ankara Blues” showcases the dynamic rhythm section alongside warm keys, while “Nobly Born” allows for Erena Terakubo’s rich alto sax to shine via the textured album highlight.
“Sore On The Floor” and “Some Other Blues” exit the listen. The former emits much meticulousness from Elefante’s graceful fingers, and the latter finishes swift, bouncy and full of energy thanks to each player’s inimitable talents and Elefante’s expressive singing.
A diverse outing that can charmingly swing just as it can reside to balladry, Elefante and company flesh out a record that’s rooted in healing, joy and love.
Travels well with: Joe Elefante’s Wheel Of Dharma- Wheel Of Dharma; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity