Valse Sinistre
Cellar, 2022
8/10
The esteemed drummer Billy Drummond returns as leader for the first time since 1996, and he’s got the Freedom Of Ideas ensemble with, i.e. Dezron Douglas (bass), Micah Thomas (piano) and Dayna Stephens (sax), for the 9 innovative jazz tunes.
“Little Melonae” opens the listen with frisky drumming and warm sax, as an energetic and playful version of jazz unfolds, and “Never Ends” follows with a soulful demeanor that builds into swift brass acrobatics.
“Laura” and “Frankenstein” occupy the middle spot, where the former showcases the elegant keys amid stirring sax prowess, while the latter recruits a lively appeal of dynamic interaction between the rhythm section.
Nearing the end, the more firm “Reconfirmed” bounces and shakes with swift melodies that you could dance to, and “Lawra” exits the listen with free jazz exploration that’s as creative as it is mesmerizing.
Drummond has stayed quite busy for the last three decades with plenty of work in the New York City scene, and let’s hope he finds more time in the bandleader role, cause his drumming skills certainly warrant being front and center.
Travels well with: John Lee- The Artist; Aaron Seeber- First Move