With Love, From Kansas City
Outside In, 2022
8/10
Listen to With Love, From Kansas City
The top notch saxophonist Adam Larson reports from Kansas City this time (his last trio effort was from Chicago), and he’s got Ben Leifer along on bass and John Kizilarmut behind the drum kit for these melodic and dynamic 7 tracks.
“New Thread” starts the listen with bright brass and playful bass lines, as the acrobatic drumming also impresses in the lively energy, and “Life Cycle” continues the meticulousness with soulful and swift sax that is matched by the agile and unpredictable drumming.
Halfway through, the thumping and firm “REL” doesn’t disappoint with its strategically plucked bass, while “Chi-Chi” glides with a bouncy and dance friendly appeal, where all 3 players illustrate much strength and diversity. The album exits with the chunky bass and vivid drumming of “Beatitudes”, where Larson’s flowing sax is quite mesmerizing.
Larson actually relocated to Kansas City in 2019, and he certainly found himself a creative home in the local scene while maintaining a national presence, too. Much like his previous work in this series, the trio set up allows for a very liberating presence where all the players can shine in their own light while also working together to produce a creative and timeless jazz rooted body of work.
Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Ron Carter- Skyline