From Here, From There
Calligram, 2024
9/10
Listen to From Here, From There
The trombonist Andy Baker is aligned with Russ Johnson, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for these 9 lively jazz tracks.
The bouncy and animated “Close Your Eyes” opens with Sommers’ quick bass amid Baker’s soulful horn, and the title track follows with some restraint, where Hall’s agile drumming complements the hazy mood.
“Skylark” and “Blues For VDB” land in the middle. The former is intimate and gentle, while the latter is a frisky and melodic moment that benefits much from Johnson’s radiant trumpet.
Residing near the end, “Softly” is indeed calm, but builds into a rich and dynamic album highlight that’s full of meticulous and exciting jazz, and “The State Of The Estate” exits with the colorful, animated rhythm section and rich horns making for plenty of grooves.
A really fun outing that can swing just as it can retreat to introspection, and Baker and his crew excel in both heartfelt and festive song craft that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Chad McCullough- in these hills, beyond; Geof Bradfield- Colossal Abundance