Trombonist David Gibson’s “End of the Tunnel” ( * *, Positone) sneaks up on you with insinuating, rather than flashy, funk grooves and sinewy textures created by a lean quartet of trombone, alto sax, organ and drums. Gibson’s evocative phrasing, which eschews speedy barrages of notes in favor of concentrated punches of melody and rhythm that get under the skin, is also a key. So are the varied sonic atmospheres produced by organist Jared Gold.
Gibson’s approach often winks at Grachan Moncur III from the ’60s Blue Note days, an impression furthered by the pairing with Julius Tolentino’s alto sax, since Moncur ran with alto great Jackie McLean back in the day. The album even goes out with a revival of the McLean-Moncur anthem “Blue Rondo.” I wish the original material were stronger, but to the band’s credit, the music retains a contemporary bite rather than treading on nostalgia.
Mark Stryker/Detroit Free Press
