Old Friends Beckoned New Sounds Reckoned
Skydeck, 2024
9/10
A quartet of immeasurable talent, the 10 tracks here from Steckler, Ikawa, Plaxico and Lewis make for a timeless and collaborative jazz experience that’s easy to admire and hard to forget.
“Forgive” starts the listen with Steckler’s dreamy flute and Ikawa’s warm keys making for a cozy and bright opener, and “Labor Day” follows with flowing sax from Steckler, as Lewis’ playful drums guide the lively climate.
The middle spot belongs to “I’d Know It If I Heard It”, where the mature piano and light drumming complement the soaring sax, while “Show Some Class” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the frisky drums and Plaxico’s well timed bass lines.
Near the end, the melodic gestures of “Vegas Mode” makes this the album’s best, and “Nunavut” exits with dense keys, soulful sax and a meticulous rhythm section populating the straight ahead jazz that will always be admirable.
Steckler is a multi-instrumentalist with a history in many musical settings, and the company he keeps help illuminate this dynamic, rich and heartfelt body of work.
Travels well with: Hollaway- Jazz-ish; Greg Chako- Standard Roots