Relentless
Calligram, 2024
9/10
The trumpet wizard Rob Parton has made quite a name for himself in the Chicago scene, and here with a large cast he fleshes out all new, commissioned songs that span plenty of textures.
“Open For Business” starts with vibrant horns and a lively rhythm section, where Brad Leali’s alto sax and Fred Sander’s keys make an impression, and “Straight Life” follows with José Aponte’s animated percussion and Parton and Chris Van Leeuwen’s trumpets radiating much grace.
“Ray’s Idea” lands in the middle, and it bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Steve Barnes’ drums and DJ Rice’s precise trombone, while “Shorter Images” carries a rare intimacy thanks to Lynn Seaton’s well timed bass.
Close to the end, “Ping Pong”, the best track, allows for Rylan Villarreal’s bari sax to complement Parton’s trumpet prowess, and “No Response” exits with a lively demeanor that’s full of timeless jazz fun and Shelley Carrol’s tenor sax skills.
A superb effort that mixes blues, jazz, swing and Big Band ideas, every tune here warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Neal Alger- Old Souls; Alex Beltran- rift