Blood Burden
Out Of Your Head, 2024
9/10
The saxophonist Alfredo Colón makes for an impressive debut, where Lex Korten, Steve Williams and Connor Parks are in attendance for the 8 experimental and eclectic selections.
“V.M.C.S” starts the listen with Colón’s soulful sax alongside Parks’ playful drumming for the atypical jazz climate, and “Our Simplest Office Clerk” follows with Korten’s graceful keys that emit much intimacy amid the rich delivery of sax.
The middle spot belongs to “Santo”, where a heartfelt approach of warmth and emotion unfolds with elegance, while “Grinnin’ In Your Face” allows for Williams’ upright bass to shine via the busy and dense free jazz exploration.
Closer to the end, the calm keys of “St. Lucy” carry a cinematic quality, and “Doomknocker” exits with a dynamic and stylish version of modern jazz that spotlights Colón’s soaring sax prowess.
A record with plenty of blues nods and no lack of emotion, Colón and his company illustrate distinct interplay, where fusion is present, as well as timeless jazz sensibilities that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Jessica Pavone- Clamor; Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth