The Optimist
Outside In, 2024
9/10
The bassist and composer Emiliano Lasansky makes quite an impression with this debut album, where Devin Daniels, Javier Santiago, Benjamin Ring and Genevieve Artadi are in attendance for the creative 13 tracks.
The title track starts the listen with Lasanky’s bass acrobatics amid Daniels’ bright alto sax and Ring’s frisky drumming, and “L.P.’s Tune” follows with much elegance, as Santiago’s gripping keys match the glowing bass in the dreamy climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Follow The Thread” showcases intimate keys and gentle bass lines via much attention to mood, while “Motionless” is a busier moment of soulful sax, twinkling keys and meticulous bass from Lasansky.
Residing closer to the end, Artadi’s gorgeous voice populates the poetic album highlight, “Love In Small Places”, and “Young Corn” exits with Artadi’s pipes again for a rich finish that’s both minimal and louder via the quartet’s inimitable talents.
An excellent representation of modern jazz, Lasansky allows for plenty of solos, harmonic gestures and artistic qualities that illustrate his tremendous vision.
Travels well with: Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds; Tone Forest- Tone Forest