XYZ
Blue Canoe, 2023
8/10
The guitarist and composer Jeff Richman has been at the helm of 18 albums now, and his jazz fusion approach is as prolific as it is exciting across these 9 tracks that welcome rhythm section luminaries Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip, as well as keyboardists George Whitty, Scott Kinsey, Mitchel Forman, and Otmaro Ruiz, and the trumpet soloist Jeff Beal.
The title track begins the listen with agile drumming and Richman’s indeed rich guitar playing that’s warm and melodic, and “Be Cool” follows with the bouncy bass lines and soulful brass complementing the meticulous guitar work in a dreamy fashion.
“Ray Barretto” and “Left Right Here” land in the middle, where the cultured ideas of the former are quite mesmerizing, and the latter showcases the dynamic rhythm section amid bright horns and playful keys for the album’s best.
“Bar 55” lands near the end and recruits bright textures for the stylish jazz rock nods, and “She’s Got To Be Somewhere” exits with thumping drums, precise bass work, flowing keys, and, of course, Richman’s superb guitar playing.
An excellent body of work that meshes composition with improvisation, Richman and company make for a modern take on fusion jazz that's creative, timeless and worth repeated listens.
Travels well with: Tritone Asylum- The Hideaway Sessions; Marilyn Scott- The Landscape