With Love, From Chicago
Outside In, 2022
8/10
Listen to With Love, From Chicago
The saxophonist and composer Adam Larson brings along 2 of Chicago’s finest, Dana Hall (drums) and Clark Sommers (bass), for these songs about the city that’s shaped his artistry and career.
“Angolan Babysitters” gets the listen off to a rowdy start, where flowing sax, acrobatic drumming and strategic bass plucking make for an unpredictable jazz climate, and “The Time You Forgot You Knew” follows with a calmer pace of timeless dynamics that quickly builds into free jazz exploration.
Halfway through, “We See” showcases Larson’s skilled sax prowess, as swift drumming and clever bass enters, while “Twirl” brings both intimacy and adventurousness to the bright brass and tumbling drums.
Near the end, “Tierney’s Song” has the trio each displaying their individual strengths in the album highlight that’s about Larson’s wife, and “Firestarter” exits the listen with a fury of quick sax playing, crashing drums and energetic bass work.
The first in a series of releases that will feature new players to make up the trio, the rhythm section here has 20 years of playing together, and it helps make for an energetic and exciting first installment from Larson’s inimitable vision.
Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come; Ron Carter- Skyline