Standards And Then Some
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Standards And Then Some
The bassist and composer Steven Husted brings along Dayna Stephens, Damian Garcia and Israel Yanez for this 3rd release as bandleader, where a return to his acoustic jazz roots sure is appreciated.
“It’s You Or No One” opens the listen with Yanez’s fluid drumming and Stephens’ glowing sax complementing Husted’s skilled bass plucking, and “Brainteaser” follows with a calm approach of graceful keys from Garcia, as soft melodies enter the cautious landscape.
In the middle, “Dena’s Lullabye” showcases the meticulous bass amid soulful brass, while “Sno’ Peas is a rich and colorful album highlight that benefits much from the dancing keys and skilled sax that suit Husted’s strategic bass prowess. The final track, “Normandie Gardens”, starts with an intimate, dreamy mood, where all the players demonstrate their respective talents via the thoughtful textures.
The standards and originals blend together seamlessly here, as Husted and company create the sort of jazz that will always be in demand and admired.
Travels well with: Peter Jonatan- Psalms Symphony; John Ellis Quartet- Bizet: Carmen In Jazz