The Relay
The Relay
Same Island, 2022
8/10
The 4 piece New York outfit The Relay play a timeless and memorable sort of jazz that illuminates the talent of Dan Pratt (sax), Michael Eckroth (piano), Matt Clohesy (bass), and Allan Medinard (drums) on this self-titled debut.
“Four For” opens the listen with warm keys and bright brass making for a very soulful and cozy jazz climate, and “One Right” follows with playfully plucked bass before soothing sax and elegant keys make for a very intimate landscape.
In the middle, the frisky pace of “Spirit Walk” displays a very precise interaction between the quartet, while “Song Of Babes” moves with a lively shuffle that will get your body moving to the flowing rhythm and agile melodies.
Deeper still, “Anabell’s Ballad” glides cautiously amid the reflective brass, emotive keys and subtle bass, and “Novo Sete” exits the listen with a mesmerizing and upbeat demeanor that’s anchored by meticulous drumming and showcases so much collaboration between the artists.
A listen that’s not short on melodies, grooves and bouts of improvisation, this is an excellent starting point for The Relay, who certainly warrant attention for the jazz inclined.
Travels well with: Aaron Stroessner Quartet- Gifts; Kabir Dalawari- Awareness