Secrets Of Inanna
Mack Avenue, 2022
8/10
The pianist/composer Connie Han sure is in fine company here, where Bill Wysaske, John Patitucci, Katisse Buckingham and Rich Perry help her flesh out a listen that bridges ‘70s spiritual jazz and modern ideas into a listen that’s never short on melodies, grooves and exploration.
“Prima Materia” opens the listen with sparking keys, where Wysaske’s agile drums and Buckingham’s dreamy piccolo make for a very warm climate, and “Ershkigal Of The Underworld” follows with tumbling piano and Patitucci’s fascinating bass lines that cultivate a very energetic and flowing jazz delivery.
Halfway through, the acrobatic fingers of Han on Fender Rhodes certainly make an impression on the adventurous highlight, while “Wind Rose Goddess” welcomes tenor sax to the frisky yet very meticulous dynamics.
“Desert Air” and “Enki’s Gift” exit the listen, where the former focuses on bass and piano with much precision, and the latter enlists Buckingham on flute and Han on Fender Rhodes for the rich and textured finish.
Han is quickly making a name for herself in the area of contemporary jazz, and these 12 songs further solidify her vision as being necessary to familiarize yourself with if you’re a fan of jazz from any era.
Travels well with: Jeremy Green- Standing Eight; The Jazz Professors- Blues And Cubes