AA Review: Jasper Blom Quartet, Gravity

[jkelman]

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My review of Jasper Blom Quartet's Gravity, today at All About Jazz.

The conclusion of the triptych that began with Statue of Liberty (2008) and continued with Dexterity (2011), the Dutch saxophonist's group, which also includes Jesse van Ruller kicking it up with some gritty, overdriven work that's in sharp contrast to his own more mellow tone with the famed Dutch guitarist's Chamber Tones Trio, shifts gears a tad. With the three covers suggesting head, hands and feet, Dexterity is the quartet's most upbeat recording (though there's still space for some darker balladry as well); it's also the first to feature a guest - percussionist and (wordless) vocalist Tutu Puoane spices up the Latinesque "The Jaive Song" while Blom, himself, contributes some uncredited vocals to the funkified closer, "Angelocology (Payé, Payé, Paya)."

A wonderful end to a wonderful trilogy; let's hope it doesn't mean the end of the band, though, as there's clearly more to be said from this superb Dutch quartet. Review here.