Ritual
Chill Tone, 2026
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist and composer Caleb Wheeler Curtis recruits some excellent guests for this 6th album that puts a very original spin on jazz.
“Fantasmas” opens with Michael Sarin’s unpredictable drums and Curtis’ stritch interacting with much warm and adventurousness, and “Bleakout” follows with Hery Paz’s animated tenor sax that adds much richness to the energy.
“Black Box Extraction” arrives in the middle and benefits from Orrin Evans’ strategic keys amid that flowing wind, while “You Can’t Just Keep The Magic” finds an intimate place to reside via the cozy playing from Curtis and playful piano.
“The End Of Power” arrives late and makes great use of Vicente Archer’s soft bass amid a reflective mood, and “Ritual” exits with a hazy and textured album highlight that has Curtis playing sopranino sax and trumpet with much care.
A very flexible and timeless body of work, Curtis tips his hat towards Coltrane and Ornette, where improvisation and the dynamic interplay with his company is appreciated.
Travels well with: Brian Landrus- Just When You Think You Know; Simon Hanes- Gargantua