Label: Outside in Music, 2022
Personnel - Geof Bradfield: alto and soprano saxophone, bass clarinet; Chris Madsen: tenor saxophone; Matt Gold: guitar; Clark Sommers: bass; Dana Hall: drums.
In a departure from the trio format of his Ba(Sh) project, American bassist and composer Clark Sommers shifts into a thrilling, top-flight quintet on Intertwine, for which he welcomes two talented saxophonists: longtime collaborator Geof Bradfield and Chris Madsen. Guitarist Matt Gold and drummer Dana Hall complete the lineup, guaranteeing fun at every turn.
The rhythm section prods the soloists - especially the saxophonists whose statements are showcased throughout - while forming the linchpin of Sommer’s compositional aesthetic. Pleading for a better world and with George Floyd’s death in mind, “Also Tomorrow” pairs a melodic folk demeanor with unknotty grooves that shift seamlessly in shape maintaining the three-time feel. Madsen and Bradfield gasp into their horns with narrative purpose and systematic articulation, being followed by Hall, who makes a good use of his percussive malleability.
“James Marshall”, a dedication to the mighty guitarist Jimi Hendrix, throws disorienting rhythmic accents into the rollin' bluesy rock swagger that serves as a vehicle for Gold’s evocative soloing. Conversely, with “Second Guesses”, the group draws on the jazz tradition with a throw back to the hard-bop era. It opens up for a swinging party and solos, and then there are bars to be traded with the drummer. “Harbor”, a solo bass interlude, makes the bridge between this piece and the introspective “Ancient Voices”, designed tunefully in six with subtle harmonies and bass clarinet at the fore. Switching horns, Bradfield wields the soprano sax with gusto on “Silent Observer”, having just drums as accompaniment. Later on, the piece uncovers its fusion flavor in a cocktail of Latin strut, post-bop enthusiasm, and a fast-paced swinging underpinning.
“Weeks and Weeks” is a dedication to bassist Willie Weeks, who worked with R&B singer Donny Hathaway. The latter’s influence is clear here, a vivid soul-pop delight with a magnetic beat underneath. The album concludes with the breezy title track, which revels in a scintillating bass solo, glistening guitar with confluent melody and chords, and taut exchanges between the saxophone players, who do justice to the album’s title. With Sommers in command of the operations, the collective's efforts yielded favorable results.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Also Tomorrow ► 02 - James Marshall ► 05 - Ancient Voices