Firetet
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The trumpet/flugelhorn wizard Constantine Alexander brings along Roy McGrath, Julius Tucker, Greg Essig and Ben Dillinger for these 7 swinging and soulful tunes that tip their hat to legends like Clifford Brown, Nicholas Payton and Sean Jones.
The lively and dynamic “The Show” starts the listen with the bright brass and frisky drums from Essig making for an energetic jazz climate, and “IDKY” follows with a calmer pace of warm textures via McGrath’s soulful sax and Tucker’s elegant keys.
“Waltzin’ Long” and “Frequent Flyer” arrive in the middle, where the former offers a dreamy delivery of melodic progressions, while the latter bops and shakes with an infectious demeanor that benefits much from Alexander’s animated trumpet and Dillinger’s frisky acoustic bass.
The final track, “Deez”, is an intimate moment of twinkling keys, light drums and strong attention to mood before erupting into swift brass and meticulous bass plucking for the roaring, free jazz finish.
A listen that’s full of sublime balladry and exciting bursts of modern jazz prowess, Alexander’s debut is not to be missed for fans of hardbop sounds.
Travels well with: Joe Wittman- Trio Works Sol; Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment