Becoming
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Baltimore jazz guitarist, composer and arranger Skip Grasso makes quite an impression with this debut as bandleader, where Harvie S, Billy Drummond and Anthony Pocetti join him for the 8 eclectic originals.
“Belew’s Knot” opens the listen with Pocetti’s very elegant keys meshing with the frisky drums in the very warm climate, and “Harvie Livingston Seagull” follows with Grasso’s dreamy guitar illuminating the mesmerizing, soothing delivery of the cinematic album highlight.
“Don’t Forget” and “Canto Belo” arrive in the middle, where the former is full of frisky progressions amid the bouncy bass lines from Harvie, while the latter moves with a sublime intimacy that showcases the agile keys and stirring guitar work.
Advancing towards the end, the fuller “For Lou Lou, Where Ever You Are” glides with dynamic melodies and meticulous interaction between the quartet, and “Spring Forward” exits with an upbeat pace that benefits much from the stunning rhythm section and Grasso’s fluid six string.
Hopefully the first of many recordings with Grasso at the helm, both bare and busier moments populate this timeless jazz affair, and it’s one you can’t listen to just once.
Travels well with: Dave Stryker- As We Are; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams