Beatin’ The Odds
Strange Woman, 2024
8/10
The D.C. native and baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer brings a lot of help along for these 9 energetic and modern jazz tunes.
“SKCC” gets the listen off to a quick start, where Amy Shook’s bouncy bass complements the rich brass, as Ally Hany Albrecht’s trumpet is particularly bright, and “Lin” follows with Pilzer’s elegant clarinet alongside Mercedes Beckman’s strategic alto sax in the dreamy climate.
The middle belongs to “The Platinum Taxi” and “Beatin’ The Odds”, where the former employs Sherr Maricle’s agile drums, while the latter benefits much from Jen Krupa’s lively trombone.
Deeper into the back half, “Last Year, Lost Year” places Allyn Johnson’s warm keys and Frank Russom’s adaptable drums into the rich album highlight, and “Where Will We Go?” exits with Pilzer’s buzzing clarinet amid Joe Jackson’s animated trombone and Tim Green’s strategic alto sax.
The inspiration for these songs is often rooted in difficult times (i.e. cancer, the pandemic), and though it’s a very personal affair, the delivery is often uplifting and colorful via the sonically engaging experience.
Travels well with: Ian Wardenski Quintet- Unfoldings; Troy Roberts- Green Lights