It Gets Better
Rupe, 2024
8/10
The jazz saxophonist and educator Jeff Rupert brings us 6 originals and 3 standards, where Kenny Barron, Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth are in attendance.
“Petrichor (In The Cote Dazur)” starts the listen with Rupert’s smooth sax alongside Farnsworth’s frisky drumming for the stylish mood, and “Comanche Crush” follows with Barron’s upbeat keys guiding the melodic aspect of the rhythmic delivery.
Arriving in the middle is the complex and heartfelt “Lana Turner”, where classical ideas enter the timeless jazz, while “It Gets Better” offers technical playing amid Washington’s precisely plucked bass.
Residing near the end, “Nowhere To Go But Up” embraces the collaborative spirit of the quartet with modern nods via a hopeful message, and “Promenade In Blue” exits with bluesy bouts of introspective song craft thanks to the rich layers.
The interplay present is superb, as Rupert and company tip their hat to the past while still being very much in tune with contemporary jazz.
Travels well with: Planet D Nonet- Echoes Of Harlem: A Tribute To Duke Ellington Vol 2; 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5