Sight

Album Review

Adam Rogers is one of many top-drawer American jazz guitarists who has had more opportunities to record for European labels, with this being his fifth release for the Dutch label Criss Cross. With bassist John Patitucci and drummer Clarence Penn, Rogers plays a compelling mix of freshly interpreted originals and well-known jazz compositions, in addition to his potent originals. The trio takes "I Hear a Rhapsody" into new territory with their intricate improvising, while the unusual rhythmic nature of his scoring of "Yesterdays" teases the listener with its sudden changes in tempo. The jaunty Thelonious Monk piece "Let's Cool One" debuted on a rare date when Rogers was a sideman with Clark Terry, though Rogers' tasty arrangement was inspired by Steve Lacy's meeting with Don Cherry. The leader's subtle workout of Charlie Parker's "Dexterity" is a welcome change from racehorse performances adapted by many of the saxophonist's followers. In one of his originals, Rogers adds a surprise, he overdubs a bit of piano in the finale to "Sight," a dramatic post-bop vehicle with a bit of a Spanish tinge. "Memory's Translucence" is the most unusual track, inspired by Ornette Coleman and Ronald Shannon Jackson; it starts in a melodic manner but detours into free jazz territory. This is another excellent outing by Adam Rogers, a talent deserving of greater recognition in his homeland.