Vagabond
Max Frank, 2025
9/10
The veteran jazz artist, Royce Campbell, brings us 10 originals, where a Big Band presence fleshes out the live and spontaneous vision.
The warm energy of “Peppers” opens with Campbell’s radiant guitar and Matt Niess’ soulful trombone adding much to the rich climate, and “Gentle Breeze” follows with Matthew Billings’ mature keys and Chris Magee’s skilled trumpet complementing the cautious spirit that builds into a commanding delivery.
Moving into the middle, “Mambo Puente” comes with a dance floor ready mood thanks to lively saxophones and animated brass, while “Moon Cycle” makes great use of Alex Moser’s heartfelt flugelhorn and Bill Schnepper’s soprano sax via the emotive album highlight.
“Dancing Waterfall” arrives late in the listen and benefits much from Kerry Moffit’s firm trumpet, and “Viper” exits with an infectious energy that enlists James Cotton’s tenor sax prowess.
A Big Band effort that’s full of technical playing, timeless interaction and jazz sensibilities that few others could parallel, Campbell and company make every track here an adventure.
Travels well with: Tim Jago- Time Shift; Planet D Nonet- Doctor Professor Leonard King: In Tribute To Joe Williams