Seamus Blake Quintet - Live At Smalls

A future classic

     

Rare is the case in modern jazz in which a group composed entirely of virtuoso musicians can create a truly masterful group recording, without letting ego get in the way of the creative spirit. This recording, however, is proof that such a case exists. Seamus Blake has put together a band of absolute monster players - Lage Lund on guitar, Dave Kikoski on piano, Matt Clohesy on bass, and Bill Stewart on the drums. Covering a program of mostly originals, the quintet succeeds brilliantly in humanizing the relatively obtuse harmony of jazz that has been composed post-Debussy/Ravel. Aside from excelling in the realm of concept, each member is also a master technician - check out the recording's lone standard, the classic "Stranger in Paradise," to hear Blake showcase his ease of use of the upper register of the tenor saxophone. Deep!