Barefooted Town

iTunes Review

Alto saxophonist David Binney, who has played with Jim Hall, Uri Caine, Cecil McBee, Medeski, Martin & Wood, and many others, released his debut, Point Game, in 1989. He’s recorded numerous albums as a leader since then, and in 2011 he released the impressive Barefooted Town, which displays his considerable compositional abilities with seven originals. A crack sextet — Binney, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, pianist David Virelles, bassist Eivind Opsvik, and drummer Dan Weiss — bring precision and feeling to this tight set. On the title track, horns and Binney’s wordless vocals soar above Weiss’ inventive drumming and Virelles’ repetitive piano figure. “Secret Miracle” features a fine horn chart, and involving solos that sparkle with in-the-moment invention. “A Night Every Day” is a slow, quiet, tune with layers of interplay between the horns, and delicate work from Weiss. “Once, When She Was Here” has a brushes-driven, snail’s pace groove that mesmerizes, and Binney’s solo is gripping. Special mention for Virelles contributions: the Cuban-born pianist’s subtle playing displays a distinctive voice throughout.