June
Truth Revolution, 2022
8/10
A listen themed around nature, Kris Allen’s alto saxophone is in fine company here, where his 3rd effort as leader finds itself in very mature, even meditative areas of jazz.
“Sunlight” opens the listen with Allen’s glowing sax alongside Carmen Staaf’s swift finger acrobatics on piano and Jonathan Barber’s agile drumming, and “Trees” follows with Michael Mayo’s playful, wordless vocals complementing the calm jazz climate that eventually has Mayo singing with much soulfulness.
“Fallow” and “I Have A Dream” land in the middle, where the former is quite intimate, and showcases Chris Dingman’s radiant vibraphone amid Allen’s cozy brass, while the latter is an upbeat and melodic album highlight that meshes Jeremy Pelt’s well timed trumpet with the dynamic jazz delivery.
The title track exits the listen, and benefits much from Luques Curtis’ frisky bass plucking, as Allen’s emotive playing is expressive and memorable.
There’s certainly no lack of melodies here, and Allen’s ‘pandemic meditation’ record sure does lend itself to reflection, appreciation and beauty.
Travels well with: Craig Davis- Tone Paintings; Wil Swindler’s Elevenet- Space Bugs: Live In Denver