Luz
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A New Orleans outfit with a penchant for melody and improvisation, Saturn Quartet, i.e. Ricardo Pascal, Brendan Polk, Robin Sherman and Gerald Watkins Jr., make quite an impression with these 8 adventurous tracks.
“Three Of A Kind” opens the listen with Sherman’s charming plucked bass, as Pascal’s inviting sax blend into the cozy climate that’s quite warm, and “Told You” follows with Polk’s firm keys and the frisky drumming making for a very lively demeanor.
The title track and “Hollow Man” arrive in the middle, where the former has the brass dancing around the mesmerizing drums with harmonic progressions, while the latter finds a more intimate place to reside thanks to the emotive piano and ambient backdrop.
Close to the end, the flowing sax and bouncy bass of “Ben” makes this the album’s best, and “Mitsuda” exits the listen with a very calming approach that blends the sax, keys, bass and Watkins Jr.’s precise drumming into a dreamy finish.
A highly collaborative effort that provides a platform for all the member’s strengths to shine, Luz makes for an eclectic and exciting jazz listen that continues on the tradition of top notch and diverse music from The Big Easy.
Travels well with: Isaiah J. Thompson- The Power Of The Spirit; Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band- The Power Station Sessions