In Lieu Of Flowers
Label 1, 2025
9/10
The composer and saxophonist Dave Anderson is joined by Grant Richards, Lorin Cohen and Jimmy MacBride for these 10 originals that tip their hat to Wayne Shorter and Maria Schneider.
The lively spirit of “Outer Circle” starts the listen with Anderson’s glowing sax amid MacBride’s frisky drumming, and “One For Wayne” follows with a calmer mood, as Richards’ elegant keys suit Anderson’s rich wind.
The middle track belongs to “Upwind”, where Cohen’s playful bass is aligned with quick piano and soulful sax, while “Lost City” is an intimate moment via the emotive sax, low keys and sublime dreaminess.
“Ghost Bikes” and “Sandy’s Ladies” exit the listen. The former pays close attention to mood thanks to the scrappy drums, lush sax and mature keys, and the latter is a bit more muscular, rock focused even, where the quartet’s inimitable skills are front and center.
A timeless jazz affair that embraces swing fun and balladry, too, Anderson and his crew pay tribute to luminaries and family with this well thought out record.
Travels well with: Trio Xolo- In Flower, In Song; Laila Biali- Wintersongs