Covers
Outside In, 2023
9/10
The inestimable saxophonist and composer Lucas Pino makes an impression with this debut quartet release, where Alex Goodman, Rick Rosato and Allan Mednard are along for the 8 well thought out covers.
The extremely rich and warm “Moonstone” opens the listen with Pino’s hazy sax alongside Mednard’s agile drumming, and “Phantom Of The Bopera” follows with the frisky bass from Rosato and playful brass making for a very energetic climate.
The middle tracks belong to “Triptych” and “New Girl”, where the former bops and shakes with a melodic delivery that highlights the adventurous rhythm section, while the latter focuses on Goodman’s meticulous guitar playing amid the lively brass progressions.
Close to the end, “Amnesia” emits plenty of bouncy bass lines and firm sax gestures, and “Waltz For MD” exits with a more intimate moment of beauty and grace.
Pino’s resume includes his No Net Nonet ensemble and time as a sideman for Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride and Takuya Kuroda, and let’s hope there’s more work in this setting in the future, cause these thoughtful jazz tracks are nothing short of top notch.
Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City; Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds