rift
Calligram, 2024
9/10
The tenor and soprano sax wizard Alex Beltran has made quite a name for himself in the Chicago scene and beyond, and this first album on the Calligram label has him leaning on his Mexican-American roots for his most personal effort to date.
The soulful and warm “Lulu” gets the listen off to a rhythmic start, where Jon Deitemyer’s frisky drums complement the soulful brass, and “Bird Dance” follows with an indeed body shaking mood that uses Stu Mindeman’s lively keys well.
The middle spot belongs to the intimate and moody “Frequency”, where Sam Peters’ atmospheric bass suits the heartfelt demeanor and Chad McCollough’s trumpet, while “Fragments” bops and shakes with a dizzying display of loud sax, swift drums and acrobatic bass lines.
The last two tracks don’t disappoint, either, where “The River Will Decide” carries an eloquence that aligns the dreamy keys with emotive sax, and the “Rift” exits with a dynamic and flowing jazz spirit that allows Beltran’s agile sax playing to radiate amid the fluid keys and meticulous rhythm section.
A listen that can swing with much energy just as it can retreat to calm moments of introspection, Beltran and his excellent company bring the grooves, rhythm and melody in spades.
Travels well with: Steve Million- Perfectly Spaced; Atlantic Road Trip- One