6th Avenue
Outside In, 2025
9/10
The debut album from leader, arranger and composer Mike Thompson, the 10 tracks here include 4 originals and 6 interpretations from the Great American songbook.
The dense and layered “All The Things You Are” opens with Bijon Watson’s bright trumpet complementing Greg Loughman’s bouncy bass lines, and “Let’s Do It” follows with a swift and dynamic delivery via Mark Shilansky’s elegant keys and Charlize Vermaak’s gorgeous singing.
At the halfway point, “Parisian Deception” makes great use of Mike Caudill’s skilled reeds for the rich album highlight, while “Anything Goes” showcases Mark Walker’s meticulous drumming amid the glowing brass and reeds for a timeless Big Band appeal.
Arriving close to the end, the softer spirit of “Someday My Prince Will Come” spotlights Sarpay Ozcagatay’s dreamy flute prowess alongside much elegance, and “May” exits with 10+ minutes of detailed interaction thanks to Dan Rosenthal’s agile trumpet, Sal DiFusco’s well timed guitar and waves of timeless jazz flavor.
The album was recorded live and certainly comes with a spontaneous feel, where all 17 players deliver their respective talents in spades for the commanding performance.
Travels well with: Jed Levy- Faces And Places; Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo Vol. 2