It Comes With The Territory
ears & eyes, 2023
9/10
Listen to It Comes With The Territory
The adventurous saxophonist Jim Piela welcomes Mark McIntyre, Nick Jost, and Peter Konrief to these 6 originals, 3 improvised and fusion filled jazz tunes that sure are unpredictable.
“Glass Cannon” starts the listen with Piela’s bright sax alongside Kronrief’s fluid drumming, where much melody is present, and “Off Course” follows with a calm approach of stylish song craft that benefits much from Jost’s precisely plucked bass.
Halfway through, “Hinterlands” carries a smooth intimacy that meshes the soulful brass with crisp drumming, while the bouncy and animated “It Comes With The Territory” emits playful bass lines amid McIntyre’s agile guitar playing.
Close to the end, “Improvisation #3” is a sax solo moment of creative spontaneity, and “We’ll Burn That Bridge When We Get To It” exits with a rich and collaborative finish of timeless and unpredictable jazz ideas.
Somewhat of a nod to Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil, Piela and company create a versatile and eclectic landscape that’s artistic, modern and full of charming jazz sensibilities.
Travels well with: Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season- Semiterritory; Elsa Nilsson’s Band Of Pulses- Pulses