Label: Self released, 2021

Personnel - Matthew Steckler: saxophones, flute; Curtis Hasselbring: trombone; Todd Neufeld: guitar; Dave Ambrosio: bass; Satoshi Takeishi: drums.

American saxophonist/flutist Matthew Steckler (aka Matty Stecks) is probably most known as the leader of the joyful reeds-infused sextet Dead Cat Bounce. Still, it’s Persiflage, one of his other projects made in New York, that immediately jumps out for its diversity, fun and energy. The band’s debut album was released in 2006, featuring New York-based jazz luminaries such as Curtis Fowlkes, Michael Cain, Lonnie Plaxico and Pheeroan akLaff. 2021 marks the return of the ensemble, totally renewed in terms of performers, in a set of potent originals recorded at the esteemed and now extinct Avatar Studios in Manhattan in 2012. The saxophonist, who was living in Brooklyn at that time, is backed here by respectable artists such as trombonist Curtis Hasselbring, guitarist Todd Neufeld, bassist Dave Ambrosio and drummer Satoshi Takeishi.

A gooey groove comes right out of the gate on “Night Cravings”, where the band luxuriates in an interesting post-bop infused with a funk-rock feel. There’s a liberating sense of freedom in how the saxophone and trombone deliver their lines before joining in unison. Cool rhythmic figures are built in an energetic saxophone statement that triggers spontaneous reactions in the guitar comp. Takeishi concludes the improvisations with a malleable percussive elongation.

“Do the Betty Rubble” makes its Eastern-tinged main theme take unexpected detours as it blossoms into an elated swing adorned with generous slices of hard rock. The solos belong to Ambrosio, Hasselbring and Steckler.

“Agriturismo” and “What Seems Eternity in Salem” are like night and day. While the former shapes up as a rollicking, good-humored fanfare taken to avant-garde territories, the latter, more subdued and sparse, reveals a romantic idealization that embraces introspection. Neufeldt’s work is particularly attractive on the acoustic guitar.

The two last tunes on the album share some tonal patterns and on-the-nose parallel movements. “Unison” leads off with a passionate, furious vibe, but then plunges into an unceremonious improvisational pool of multiple intensities; “Ant Colony” consolidates melodic sensibility and rhythm invention, affixing a lovely cycle of chords in due course for a rich guitar solo.

Night Cravings surpasses the Persiflage’s debut, having Steckler and company posing with sporty optimism and crisp musicality.