Underdog
Chronograph, 2023
9/10
A very focused and intricate outfit consisting of Mark DeJong, Steve Shepard and Jeff Sulima, as Redline Trio they birth a formula that touches on jazz’s past, but with plenty of modern ideas that recruit help from Brad Turner and Steve Hudson for the 6 rich tracks.
“No Limes For Jeffrey” opens the listen with DeJong’s bright tenor sax prowess alongside Sulima’s frisky drumming in the timeless jazz climate, and “The Waltz” follows with a soulful approach that showcases Turner’s powerful and dynamic trumpet prowess.
“Veluwe (For Janny)” lands in the middle, and benefits much from Shepard’s careful bass plucking in the intimate landscape, while “Galactic Diamonds” spotlights Hudson’s graceful and meticulous piano playing amid the vibrant brass and melodic gestures. “Underdog”, the final song, recruits a contagious energy of rhythmic and precise instrumentation that resonates long after the tune stops.
DeJong, Shepard and Sulima are heavy hitters on the Calgary jazz scene, and their combined strength makes for this exceptional and exciting listen.
Travels well with: William Carn- Choices; Matt Greenwood- Atlas