After The Fire
Calligram, 2025
8/10
The Canadian guitarist and composer Kevin Brunkhorst knows his way around a melodic tune you won’t soon forget, and along with Tom Easley, Kenji Omae, Tom Roach and Paul Tynan we’re treated to 7 originals here.
“As Fate Would Have It” starts with Brunkhorst’s bright guitar alongside Omae’s rich sax prowess in the melodic climate, and “One Spring” follows with Roach’s agile drumming amid Tynan’s soulful trumpet.
In the middle, “Daydream Manual” is indeed dreamy thanks to the soft wind and harmonic guitar, while “The Roaring Twenties” uses Easley’s playful bass lines in a way that suits the meticulous guitar and animated trumpet.
“The Passing Months” exits the listen with each player’s skills radiating grace and adventurousness.
A really intriguing effort that highlights the often overlooked acoustic guitar in a jazz setting, Brunkhorst and company flesh out joy, warmth and optimism in response to challenging times.
Travels well with: José Gobbo Trio- Confluence; Chris Varga- Breathe