Sam Rivers 100
Capri, 2025
9/10
The bandleader and arranger Mark Masters brings along his excellent ensemble for these 11 selections that interpret the work of Sam Rivers, and focuses on his Blue Note years.
“Fuchsia Swing Song” gets the 11 tracks off to a lively start, where Billy Harper’s glowing tenor sax and Kendall Day’s frisky drumming won’t go unnoticed, and “Cyclic Episode” follows with Nathan Kay’s animated trumpet complementing the bright jazz climate that’s melodic and flowing.
Further into the listen, “Point Of Many Returns” spotlights Nicole McCabe’s alto sax and Chris Colangelo’s bass via the rich and unpredictable album highlight, while “Downstairs Blues Upstairs” allows for Mike Cottone’s trumpet to shine amid the skilled interaction and timeless songwriting.
Arriving close to the end, “Ellipsis” allows for Jeff Colella’s meticulous keys to guide the dynamic interaction that’s both cautious and adventurous, and “Luminous Monolith” exits with Dave Woodley’s trombone and Tom Luer’s baritone sax radiating tremendous skill and grace.
Masters and company do justice to Rivers’ legacy, where his avant-garde vision is very much present, but with a fresh coat of paint that you can’t not admire.
Travels well with: Mark Masters Ensemble- Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!; Phil Haynes- Transition(s)