Against All Odds
Origin, 2022
8/10
A veteran saxophonist and songwriter, Jared Sims returns with his 10th solo album, and he’s got Steve Fell, Keala Kaumeheiwa, Luther Gray and Amy M. Alvarez with him for the 7 original compositions.
The title track opens the listen with Sims’ bright sax alongside frisky drumming from Gray as a warm, timeless jazz climate unfolds, and “Flowering” follows with a cautious approach of playfully plucked bass from Kaumeheiwa and soft guitar lines from Fell.
Halfway through, “Dear Gaia” welcomes Alvarez’s poetry to the dreamy and soothing delivery, while “No Name Days” brings plenty of melody and emotion to the dynamic chemistry.
Further still, “Threnody” pushes and pulls with a unique tension that showcases Sims’ strong brass prowess amid gentle drums and restrained guitar, and “Angst” exits with an upbeat pulse of intricate guitar, agile drumming and, of course, proficient sax.
Much like everything Sims has been behind, this effort is shimmering in charming jazz nods, where each player’s respective strengths are highlighted in the honest tracks that illuminate all the greatness in life.
Travels well with: John Moulder- Metamorphosis; Karen Marguth- Until