Acclaimed jazz drummer Billy Hart has basically done it all in a storied career, playing with artists such as Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Bernie Maupin, Tommy Flanagan, Marian McPartland, and many others over the years. Here on All Our Reasons, the ensemble also known as the Billy Hart Quartet, which also features Mark Turner on saxophone, double-bassist Ben Street, and pianist Ethan Iverson, fires off another collection of sophisticated and challenging jazz, their first recording for the famous ECM Records label.
Much of the music on All Our Reasons simmers and smolders, one moment gently floating along before quickly turning into a maelstrom of sonic activity. The lead melodies from Turner and Iverson work wonders on such lush & majestic tracks as "Song For Balkis" and "Tolli's Dance", and when these two launch into a fiery solo, look out for some fireworks! A more laid back number like "Nostalgia For the Impossible" is tender jazz at its best, featuring some gorgeous piano from Iverson, and the busy "Nigeria" allows the 71 year old drum wonder Hart to really dig into some blazing solos. Closing number "Imke's March" is another winner, with a melody from Turner that sticks in your head and never lets go, plus some classy solos from Iverson and intricate rhythms underneath it all courtesy of Hart and Street.
To put it plain and simple, All Our Reasons is a wonderful modern jazz recording from a classy quartet. Catchy melodies, virtuoso musicianship, and smart arrangements abound here, so make sure you don't miss this winner from the folks at ECM.
Track Listing
1) Song For Balkis
2) Ohnedaruth
3) Tolli's Dance
4) Nostalgia For the Impossible
5) Duchess
6) Nigeria
7) Wasteland
8) Old Wood
9) Imke's March
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