Natural Lines
Gut String, 2020
8/10
The Los Angeles reed specialist David Sills is in fine company here, as Larry Koonse, Mike Scott, Blake White and Tim Pleasant lend their talents on this 17th album as leader for Sills, where influences from legends like Stan Getz and Joe Henderson invade the highly intricate and very stylish execution.
“Minor Monk” starts the listen with elegant and fluid musicianship where Sills’ prowess flows well alongside Scott’s impressive guitar lines, and “Sync Or Swim” follows with no shortage of rhythm as Pleasant anchors the tune with proficient drumming in the jazz fueled setting.
In the middle, “Foggy Daze” swings playfully, and dances around with frisky interplay between the musicians, while “Mellow Stone” moves with a more restrained quality as blues ideas enter the atmosphere. “Nardis”, an album standout, then has Sills on alto flute as the climate builds into an unpredictable, quivering delivery where White’s plucked bass impresses.
Close to the end, “Outside Corner” is a jumpy, groove filled display of varied skill, and the aptly “Interplay” exits the listen with each player showcasing their respective talent on the Bill Evans original.
An accomplished outing that doesn’t shy away from solos, admirers of jazz- old and new- will find much to enjoy across this splendid mix of originals and covers as Sills and company weave seamlessly from track to track.
Travels well with: Kenny Washington- What’s The Hurry; Susan Tobocman- Touch & Go