Darren Johnston

Life In Time

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Life In Time

The Brooklyn resident Darren Johnston knows his way around a trumpet, and here with Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall he lays down 10 originals penned by both himself and Bradfield that bring a very distinct and articulate form of jazz.

“Asherah” starts the listen with Johnston’s soulful trumpet alongside Sommers’ carefully plucked bass and Bradfield’s warm sax, and “Little Gold Fish” follows with a busy and swift delivery of adventurous drumming thanks to Hall, as the dynamic brass illuminates the radiant song craft.

“Lost And Found” lands in the middle, and flows with a very busy but controlled climate of stylish jazz sensibilities, while “Shade”, the album’s best, emits bright brass, frisky drums and bouncy bass in an infectious landscape.

Residing near the end, “The Color Of The Wall Of The Room That Reminded Me” is an unpredictable and charming take on avant-garde jazz, and “Song For Kamala” exits the listen with all their respective talents shining in a meticulous nature.

Johnston manipulates his instrument in profoundly exciting ways, and his Chicago based companions certainly hold their own on this unique jazz listen that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Jared Sims- Against All Odds; John Moulder- Metamorphosis