Intention
Calligram, 2023
8/10
The inimitable guitarist Scott Hesse is joined by Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for these 7 well executed tunes, where the live setting allows for much spontaneity.
After the brief introduction, “Wise One” spends 11+ minutes mesmerizing us with Hesse’s warm guitar and Sommers’ frisky drums that benefit much from Hall’s playful drumming, and “Intention” continues the mood with no lack of rhythm via the lively rhythm section and meticulous guitar progressions.
Further along, “Ana Maria” emits a glowing melodicism amid the swift guitar playing, while “The Night Owl” carries a more intimate demeanor of restrained beauty and a unique dreaminess. “Rejoicing” exits the listen, and it’s an upbeat and stylish display of modern jazz dynamics that are as memorable as they are timeless.
The sound quality here is fantastic, as the Chicago resident Hesse’s first outing as a leader since 2015 brings us groove filled and exciting selections from Coltrane, Shorter and Coleman, plus top notch originals.
Travels well with: Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera; Alex Beltran- Rift