by: Kyle O'Brien
On first listen, you might think that "Sense of Direction," the debut disc from the Farnell Newton Marcus Reynolds Quintet, is a remastered recording from the post-bop 1960s. Trumpeter Newton and pianist-composer Reynolds probably wouldn't mind the comparison.
But while the sound may court earlier generations, it's not derivative, sounding both retro and contemporary. The musicianship is superb, and the original compositions are on par with what's happening at the national level.
Each tune is a mini-journey in jazz, ebbing and flowing in a tide of chordal and rhythmic activity. It kicks off with "The Two Larrys," a double horn melody with Newton and saxophonist Tim Wilcox sharing an angular melody that flows across the ear with a sense of relaxed adventure. Newton's trumpet is fluid and mellifluous, and the restrained backing by Reynolds, drummer Jason Brown and bassist Ameen Saleem gives the two soloists plenty of room to explore.
The disc travels through a roving jazz waltz, a multi-tempo, upbeat bopper, a slinky-slow swinger and a modal groover, "The Bluest Eyes," which deftly pulls and releases tension. Reynolds is a fine pianist with an ear for avant-garde-leaning melodic sensibilities. His compositions have a sense of exploration.
While the textures and musicianship are at high levels, there is a sense of too much restraint. A touch more zing would bring a greater sense of emotion to the disc.
The album, which recalls such artists as Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver and Wayne Shorter, marks locals Newton and Reynolds as a rising force.
Artist: Farnell Newton Marcus Reynolds Quintet Grade: B+ Label: Diatic Records