Body & Soul
WAMCO, 2021
8/10
An accomplished pianist, composer and saxophonist, Alexander McCabe is in the company of Paul Odeh, Ugonna Okegwo and Craig Wuepper for this 6th album as leader, where 4 originals and 2 covers comprise, in his words, the best work he’s done as a leader.
“Elena” starts the listen with McCabe’s flowing sax prowess alongside Wuepper’s frisky drumming and Odeh’s graceful keys in the soothing waltz, and “If I See Her” follows with a very warm and heartfelt approach as Okegwo’s clever bass work complements the timeless jazz landscape that’s pretty close to balladry.
The middle selections, “Christi’s Day” and the title track, don’t disappoint either, where the former glides swiftly with incredible dynamics between the quartet in a bluesy sort of way, while the latter, a Johnny Green tune, truly showcases McCabe’s brass skills amid the mature piano and bouncily plucked bass.
Nearing the end, “Angela”, a ballad for Wuepper’s wife, offers a meticulously textured delivery of playfulness and restraint, and “Countdown”, by John Coltrane, exits the listen with a dizzying display of quick, memorable and universally enjoyable jazz songwriting.
McCabe’s impressive resume includes playing with the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, soundtracking many films and TV shows, and also being a member and songwriter for the ska band Memphiskapheles, so when he stakes the claim that Body & Soul is his best yet, we should all be paying close attention.
Travels well with: Greg Loughman- Re: Connection; Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses