Elephant
Out Of Your Head, 2026
9/10
The always impressive Adam O’Farrill is joined by Yvonne Rogers, Walter Stinson, and Russell Holzman for 9 songs that continue his iconoclastic vision of improvisation that few others could replicate.
“Curves And Convulsions” opens with Yvonne Rogers’ animated keys alongside O’Farrill’s well timed Rhodes in the playful climate, and “Sea Triptych” follows with 3 segments, where O’Farrill’s rich trumpet is surrounded by Russell Holzman’s strategic drumming in both melodic and ambient waves.
In the middle, “Eleanor’s Dance” radiates a warm beat amid Walter Stinson’s unpredictable bass prowess and the strong tonality of the trumpet, while “Herkimer Diamond” recruits synth from Rogers that aligns with crisp drums and hazy trumpet via the stylish album highlight.
Close to the end, “Thank You Song” moves gently before finding a reflective mood that’s mesmerizing and pretty, and “Bibo No Aozora” exits with the colorful horn, complicated bass lines, frisky drumming and mature keys making an indelible impact.
Everything O’Farrill has been involved in has been great, and with this stellar cast we are treated to more sophisticated, exploratory and fusion ideas that blend jazz and chamber with stunning results.
Travels well with: Columbia Icefield- A Silence Opens; Webber/Morris Big Band- Unseparate