Bluish Tide
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The guitar wizard Kristen R. Bromley returns with her 2nd album as leader, and she’s got Ray Smith (sax, flute), Steve Erickson (piano), Matt Larson (bass) and Jay Lawrence (drums) along for the 9 originals and lone cover.
“Pillar Of Fire” opens the listen with a bright and energetic presence of spirited guitar, frisky drumming and graceful keys, and “Groove O’Clock Time” follows and certainly lives up to its name as no shortage of grooves flow in and out of the dynamic musicianship.
“Between Canyon Walls” arrives at the halfway point and showcases the strategic bass alongside Bromley’s intricate guitar lines, while “Paint Me A Picture My Love” recruits flute for the cautious and very pretty journey of timeless jazz.
Moving towards the end, “Junkyard Dawg” offers a playfully textured album highlight of warm melodies and inviting rhythm, and “Through The Veil” exits the listen with Bromley’s captivating guitar complementing the cozy keys and light drums.
An album that is steeped in swing, bossa nova, funk, and ECM grooves, Bromley and company make the most of every second here, and it makes for a soulful and inspiring listen.
Travels well with: Kristen R. Bromley Trio- Simply Miraculous; Elena Maque- Feel Again