Solace
Mullsoul Music, 2021
9/10
The saxophonist Dave Mullen is in fine company here, as pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Hans Glawischnig, drummer E.J. Strickland and trumpet wizard Jim Seeley accompany him across 7 heartfelt and carefully constructed jazz compositions that unfold with the utmost care.
“The Grind” starts the album on a very high note as a swift pace of busy interaction unfolds with Mullen’s sax prowess guiding the playful keys and crashing drums, and “Shanna Shuffle” follows with a much calmer approach, where Seeley’s trumpet skills flow alongside the soulful sax and frisky drumming.
In the middle, “For Michael” takes on a very reflective tone as warm brass and Cowherd’s precise piano embrace much beauty, while “Satin Doll” shuffles with a contagious energy and timeless jazz appeal that displays much melody amid the bass plucking acrobatics.
Arriving near the end, “Kinda Green” emits a dreamy, stirring delivery that quickly bursts into a lively album highlight, and “Like Rahsaan” exits the listen with all the players taking their turn in the spotlight on a dynamic and flawlessly executed finish.
Mullen dedicates some of these tracks to legends like Ellington, Coltrane and Monk, and his own vision certainly runs parallel to those names as he navigates through some top notch jazz we won’t forget anytime soon.
Travels well with: Kendall Carter- Introducing Kendall Carter; Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle