Tomorrowsville
Blue Canoe, 2024
8/10
The Atlanta resident Randy Hoexter is one talented guy. A pianist, composer, arranger, producer and educator, here he’s joined by many players for 11 energetic jazz tunes.
The lively “Rosetta Stone” starts with John David’s animated drums and Justin Powell’s bright trumpet that complement Hoexter’s fluid keys, and “The Dragonfly” follows with Mike Stern’s meticulous guitar and Sam Skelton’s well timed sax that help cultivate many grooves.
In the middle, “Diaspora” benefits much from Jimmy Haslip’s frisky bass and Emrah Kotan’s skilled percussion, while the the best track, “Particle Accelerator”, showcases Hoexter’s finger acrobatics amid the dynamic rhythm section.
The title track resides deep into the record, and is populated by Gordon Vernick’s soulful trumpet and Eric Alexander’s sparing trombone, and “In Bright October” exits with rich textures and timeless jazz sounds that will always be relevant.
A really colorful and modern affair, the rhythm, grooves and melodies arrive in spades across this detailed and memorable album.
Travels well with: Bill Moio- Try This; Marc Ciprut- Moonshine