Tarmu Jazz Quartet
Queen Of Bohemia, 2023
8/10
The esteemed vibraphonist Eldad Tarmu is in fine company here, where Adam Hutcheson, Sam Bevan and Cengiz Baysal accompany him for these 9 rhythmic, funky and colorful pieces.
“Cafe Sole” opens the listen with Tarmu’s cozy vibes alongside Baysal’s crisp drums and Hutcheson’ bright and flowing alto sax, and “Self-Inflicted Wounds” follows with the sax front and center in the lively and expressive climate.
“Beneath The Gloss And Shine” arrives in the middle and showcases Bevan’s bouncy bass amid Tarmu’s meticulous vibe prowess, while “Kinda Elegant” emits a cozy intimacy that has the quartet interacting with a cautious warmth.
“Mating Calls” and “Tall Grass Prairie” exit the listen, where the former births adventurous melodies and dynamic musicianship, and the latter finishes with an intricate, poetic and timeless demeanor.
This is Tarmu’s 10th album as leader, and it’s among his best yet, where his meticulous vibraphone skills sure do navigate well around the superb rhythm section and vivid brass.
Travels well with: Skip Grasso- Becoming; John Paul McGee- Gospejazzical