Convergency
Origin, 2022
8/10
The esteemed composer, arranger and conductor Dave Slonaker returns with his top notch band of West Coast jazz and studio legends for 9 originals and an interpretation of a Harry Warren and Mack Gordon tune.
The title track leads with a bright and booming energy that welcomes solos from Clay Jenkins’ trumpet and Adam Schroeder’s baritone sax, and “Uncommonly Ground” follows with the warm piano and reflective tone complementing Larry Koonse’s fluid electric guitar work.
“A Curve In The Road” occupies the middle spot, and showcases Tom Luer’s glowing tenor sax prowess, while “Inner Voices” spotlights Ron Stout’s soulful trumpet amid the glowing musicianship that radiates timeless and busy big band skill.
Near to the end, “Vanishing Point” benefits from Bob Sheppard’s intimate soprano sax and Peter Erskine’s cautious drumming in the stirring album highlight, and “I Had The Craziest Dream” exits with a charming dreaminess that makes great use of Wayne Bergeron’s emotive trumpet.
It’s certainly not surprising that Slonaker and his ensemble have been Grammy nominated, and this excellent outing should bring them plenty of praise, too, as they swing hard with fluent melodies but also can retreat to calm beauty.
Travels well with: Roberta Brenza- It’s My Turn To Color Now; Ben Patterson- The Way Of Groove