A New Beat
Cellar, 2024
8/10
The inimitable drummer Ulyssess Owens Jr. is in some fine company here, where 9 lively tunes unfold with a modern and stylish jazz appeal.
“Sticks” opens the listen with Sarah Hanahan’s bright sax and Benny Benack III’s flowing trumpet complementing Owens Jr.’s animated drumming, and “Better Days” follows with plenty of melody, where Philip Norris’ playful bass and Anthony Hervey’s graceful trumpet help cultivate a warm mood.
The middle belongs to “Until I See You Again”, where Luther Allison’s cozy piano is met with a meticulous rhythm section amid much intimacy, while “Heart Full Of Rhythm” places Milton Suggs on vocals via the soulful and heartfelt delivery of sophistication and friskiness.
The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where the furious drumming of “Helen’s Song” meshes bright, swift brass with Ryoma Takenaga’s fluid bass and Tyler Bullock’s finger acrobatics on piano, and “Chicken An’ Dumplins” exits with a timeless and tuneful jazz flavor that we could never tire of.
An artist who is quickly entering legend status, Owens Jr.’s talents are exceptional, and the players surrounding him sure do put a fresh coat of paint on songs that we already enjoy.
Travels well with: Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent; Jalen Baker- Be Still