Poetic
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The powerful drummer Jonathan Barber returns with his esteemed band for 8 originals that touch on all the hallmarks of jazz that we will never tire of.
The title track opens the listen and is indeed poetic with its crisp drumming and soulful alto sax from Godwin Louis, as much warmth enters the timeless jazz climate, and “Gathering” follows with Taber Gable’s elegant keys alongside Andrew Renfroe’s agile guitar lines in the dreamy landscape.
At the halfway point, “Acceptance” recruits a stirring intimacy in the pretty, glowing delivery, while “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” emits firm drumming, bright brass and spirited guitar lines in the album’s best track.
Near the end, “Now and Forever” simmers lightly amid hypnotic keys and well timed bass from Matt Dwonszyk in the melodic song craft, and “South” exits the listen with acrobatic drumming and radiant tones that only make us wish there were more than 8 selections present.
Barber and Vision Ahead have been playing together for over a decade, and that chemistry is very apparent across these exploratory, dynamic and refined compositions that make this 3rd album a top notch jazz outing.
Travels well with: Anthony Fung- What Does It Mean To Be Free?; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago