Republic of Jazz: Matt Brewer - Unspoken (2016) CRISS CROSS RECORDS

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Matt Brewer - Unspoken (2016) CRISS CROSS RECORDS

On the heels of his critically-acclaimed Criss Cross debut, Mythology (Criss 1373 CD), bassist Matt Brewer presents an inspired quintet recording, convening tenor saxophonist Ben Wendel, pianist Aaron Parks, guitarist Charles Altura, and drummer Tyshawn Sorey -- all top-of-the-pyramid under-40 improvisers and consequential composers in their own right -- to perform a nine-tune program that includes seven Brewer originals, and reimagined versions of Bill Frisell's "Twenty Years" and Charlie Parker's "Cheryl".

Having garnered wide acclaim as a sideman playing the challenging music of such major figures as Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Greg Osby, Steve Coleman and Vijay Iyer, among others, Brewer displays not only his lyric gifts and virtuoso instrumental prowess, but his ability to convey his intentions by allowing his bandmates freedom to express their perspectives within the flow of his ideas.