Arc And Edge
Calligram, 2025
9/10
The trumpet extraordinaire James Davis is surrounded by some excellent players for these 11 colorful, harmonic and textured tracks.
The soothing and warm “Long Road Home” leads with Davis’ soulful Flugelhorn and Juan Pastor’s agile drumming, and “Search For Itness” follows with soulful brass and Daniel Thatcher’s gentle bass mesmerizing us.
Landing in the middle, “Unending Path” allows for Geof Bradfield and Michael Salter’s hypnotic bass clarinets to create a mood of mystery, while “Balancing Act” takes that step further via the enthralling rhythm section and strategic repetition of the winds.
“Pulsar” is a late album highlight, and emits much richness and emotion as the players blend their talents with a distinct groove, and “As The Crow Flies” exits with a similar, collaborative approach of skilled layering and timelessness.
Mostly a gentle affair, the classical and improvised bouts make for much to enjoy across this atypical and engaging effort.