Mystic Life
Steeple Chase, 2022
8/10
The pianist, compose and educator Yoko Yates has a lengthy history in jazz sounds, and here along with Jamie Baum (flute, alto flute), Sam Sidagursky (clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax), Aryeh Kobrinsky (bass) and Jeff Hirschfield (drums), 10 very precise and absorbing instrumentals unfold with much grace.
“Near The Horizon” leads with an airy demeanor that’s bright and fluid with the winds, drums and keys interacting with much warmth, and “Dawn” follows with sublime piano balladry that benefits much from soothing clarinet that’s quite expressive.
Halfway through, the playful “Jungle Flowers” bounces with an undeniable charm that’s anchored by the agile keys, while “Procession Of Queen Maya” emits stirring melodies in the dreamy album highlight.
“Early Spring” and “Moon Night Dance” exit the listen, where the former floats with a very upbeat delivery that certainly sounds like new beginnings, and the latter gets frisky, dance-friendly even, as it showcases all the players’ talents in spades.
A very enlightening and captivating body of work, Yates and company make the most of each moment here, where unparalleled chemistry and strong attention to detail is appreciated.
Travels well with: The Jazz Professors- Blues And Cubes; Andy Adamson Quintet- A Coincidence Of Cats