The Head Of A Mouse
Chronograph, 2023
8/10
The esteemed trombonist and composer Audrey Ochoa is aligned with an all star cast for this 4th album as bandleader, where her most diverse work to date covers many genres and moods.
The soulful trombone opens the listen, where the fluid title track spotlights Chris Andrew’s lively keys in the melodic climate, and “My Mom (For Phyllis)” follows with a calm spirit thanks to emotive trombone and Jim Head’s warm guitar playing.
Entering the middle, the playful bass from Rubim Detoledo is met with Sandro Dominelli’s agile drumming that comprises “The Con Artist”, while the elegant “Have A Cry” sprinkles the cozy keys over cautious brass and frisky guitar playing.
Close to the end, “The Tall Of A Lion” carries a cinematic quality thanks to its animated bass lines and unique rhythm via Luis Tovar’s percussion, and “I Would Have Told You Anyway” exits with strong attention to atmosphere and incredible progressions from Ochoa’s instrument.
Ochoa is classically trained, and the inclusion of cello from Ian Woodman and violin from Jennifer Bustin reflects that, as The Head Of A Mouse further solidifies Ochoa as one of Canada’s finest jazz performers.
Travels well with: Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera; Hazelrigg Brothers- Synchronicity