by Layla Macoran

Release date: August 4 on Posi-tone Records
Producer: Marc Free Personnel: Joel Frahm-Saxophone; Gary Versace- Organ; Gilad Hekselman- Guitar; David Ashkenazy- Drums

Out With It is an album that starts one way and quickly proves to be something more. Moving from the classic Shorter tune ”Children of the Night” to the Beatles’ “I Want You” within three tracks is a sign of a thinking man’s jazz combo.

Organist extraordinaire Gary Versace adds his spice to the album, particularly on “I Want You.” The swordplay between he and Frahm is intense and muscular. Ashkenazy keeps the beat going for the music to build and rest. The lovely and emotional Alberstein composition “Bokserboym” (reduced from “Ikh Shtey Unter A Bokserboym”) receives a meaningful interpretation from Hekselman. The set ends with “Too Young to Go Steady,” sounding bubbly and fresh.

Out With It takes the listener on an experimental but safe journey, never veering so far away that the melody is sacrificed. The song selection is incredible, and kudos to producer Marc Free for apparently giving the equally gifted musicians a frame and a lot of paint to splatter and splash. The end creation is a fine work of art.

Key Tracks: Dadi-Yo; I Want You; Bokserboym