Perseverance
MISMWO, 2023
8/10
The veteran saxophone player Melvin Smith is in fine company here, where Jeb Patton, Greg Lewis, Corcoran Holt and Jeremy Warren help him pay tribute to musical mentors, family members, and supporters across these 11 tracks.
“Sound For Sore Ears” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Holt’s bouncy bass and Smith’s glowing sax make an indelible impression, and “Karita” follows with Warren’s fluid drumming anchoring the dynamic and rich climate.
“Letter To The Ancestors” arrives in the middle, and showcases the soulful sax amid Lewis’ finger acrobatics on organ, while the stylish “One By One” is full of frisky melodies and a very meticulous rhythm section.
The title track and “Golden” arrive late in the listen, where the former allows Patton’s exceptional piano playing to shine, and the later bops and shakes with infectious rhythm in the Jill Scott song.
Smith brings a lifetime of experience and skill to this listen, where he flirts with spiritual and funk moments and is never short on passion or intellect, either.
Travels well with: Hollywood Paul Litteral- Legacy; 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5