The first album to document a great new chapter in the career of drummer Billy Hart – his ultra-hip quartet with saxophonist
Mark Turner and pianist
Ethan Iverson – both younger players who have brought back a real edge to his music! The group has a very different feel than some of the other recent "revival" projects by older jazz drummers – and the focus here is extremely equal, if not even more heavily weighted towards, the younger members of the group.
Turner's tenor has all the dark tones and edgey post-Shorter modes heard on his best albums under his own name – and
Iverson's angular piano lines revel in a style that's almost in the legacy of Andrew Hill, but more swinging overall. Hart's rhythms are as fluid and complex as ever – making nice use of the cymbals on the fringe, but returning home to the core of the kit when a tighter groove is needed. Titles include "Mellow B", "Lorca", "Irah", "Lullaby For Mike", "
Iverson's Odyssey", "Neon", "Charvez", and "Moment's Notice".
(Crease through rear tray card.)