Colossal Abundance
Calligram, 2024
9/10
The composer and saxophonist Geof Bradfield blends Southern blues and roots, contemporary jazz and African Diaspora into these 10 tracks that welcome a 12 piece ensemble.
“Mahororo” begins the listen with Bradfield’s mbira and Gregory Beyer’s berimbau for the dreamy and rich lead off, and “Lonnie’s Lament” follows with 10 minutes of exploration that welcomes Greg Ward’s bright sax and Dana Hall’s animated drumming presence.
Landing at the halfway point is the dynamic and cultured “Kaleidoscope”, where Anna Webber’s airy flute and Scott Hesse’s mesmerizing guitar won’t go unnoticed, while “Requiem” benefits much from Clark Sommers’ skilled bass plucking amid a soothing and melodic album highlight that meshes the winds and brass sublimely.
Residing near the end, “Gandanga Blues” showcases Russ Johnson’s well timed trumpet alongside strong attention to mood, and “Bermuda Blues” exits with plenty of grooves and relaxed rhythm, as Ben Goldberg’s clarinet and Norman Palm’s trombone add much to the textured finish.
A highly ambitious effort, Bradfield’s originals are well thought out and the creative interpretations of Coltrane, Shorter, Threadgill and Byard make for an eclectic and meticulous body of work.
Travels well with: Kenny Reichert- Switch; Neal Alger- Old Souls