Label: Sunnyside Records, 2023
Personnel - Loren Stillman: alto saxophone; Drew Gress: double bass; Mark Ferber: drums.
Quirky and underrated, American saxophonist Loren Stillman is recognized for his embrace of sober tones and selection of impish notes while crafting phrases that are rich in ambiguity. His Sunnyside debut, Time and Again, showcases eight original compositions that take on distinctive shapes through the adept interpretations of his new trio mates—bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber. The tunes are demanding, but the trio's experience allows them to navigate potential pitfalls, resulting in an intriguing and compelling sound.
“Backyard”, an engaging, groovy, and open post-bop vehicle, serves as fertile ground for exploring Stillman's non-obvious lines. The piece incorporates a smart bass vamp in its final segment, complemented by crisp drum chops. “Unsung” packs genuine emotion, addressing the not-heard-enough music of heroes such as Paul Motian, Warne Marsh, and Lee Konitz. It features a well-spoken bass statement. The title track, “Time and Again”, begins with controlled tom-tom rambles and valuable cymbal complementation. The rubato style enhances the heartfelt playing, and the music is unleashed with forlorn, breathing and revolving around a beautiful melody.
In "The Mask”, Stillman passionately explores a folk-inspired direction, reminiscent of Jan Garbarek. This elegantly crafted piece features coruscating snare radiance, firmly placed bass lines, and sinuous melodic contours. "Fearless Dreamer", previously recorded in a bass-less quartet format, is admirably structured, swinging with a defiant posture and showcasing saxophone eruptions crafted from a language of impressive spontaneity.
These overarching sonic architectures earn a special meaning with “Foist”, a modal-inflected blues piece that gradually turns up the heat, celebrating a cadenced, odd-metered groove. Gress and Ferber construct a trancelike rhythmic undertow that harmoniously supports the bandleader's expressive speech.
Even in moments of unfolded abstraction, the trio's unique sounds articulate perfectly. Each track stands on its own, revealing more distinctive characteristics with each subsequent listen.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Backyard ► 05 - Foist ► 08 - The Mask