Cyclic Journey
Alternate Side, 2022
8/10
The trombonist and composer Marshall Gilkes is in the company of many players for these tracks that soundtrack Gilkes’ personal and professional life with no lack of melodies, harmonies and rhythmic sensibilities in the flowing jazz climate.
“First Light” opens the listen with bright brass, as much warmth enters the cautious landscape that later on welcomes graceful keys and crisp drumming, and “Up And Down” continues with precise layering of horns and swift key progressions.
“Respite” occupies the middle spot, and flows with an intimate spirit that benefits from the soulful brass, while “Beat The Clock” embraces a playful nature that showcases the acrobatic drumming and frisky piano amid the well timed horns.
Close to the end, “Cyclic Journey” offers a dreamy demeanor of stirring song craft, and the bonus track, “Sin Filtro”, embraces plenty of Spanish ideas in the very festive and meticulous finish.
Gilkes in joined by Aaron Park (piano), Linda May Han Oh (bass), Johnathan Blake (drums), Brandon Ridenour (trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn), Ethan Bensdorf (trumpet, flugelhorn), Tony Kadleck (trumpet, flugelhorn), Adam Unsworth (horn), Joseph Alessi (trombone), Demondrae Thurman (euphonium), Nick Schwartz (bass trombone), and Marcus Rojas (tuba). Together, they make for a flexible, unique and very charming execution that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Jared Schonig- Two Takes Vol. 1; The Chris Parker Trio- Tell Me