David Binney / Alan Ferber – In The Paint

Release date: April 21st 2009

Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes

David Binney’s excellent work with David Simon (“Afinidad”, “Fiestas De Agosto”, “Oceanos”) produced landmarks in intelligent, immersive jazz. The relatively new partnership with Alan Ferber returns to that productive vein after the 2006 departure with Bill Frisell on “Out Of Airplanes”.

The sextet – David Binney (alto sax), Alan Ferber (trombone), Peter Schlamb (vibes), John Escreet (piano), Thomas Morgan (bass), Gerald Cleaver (drums) – is full voiced, exploring distinctive harmonisation between alto sax and trombone.

“Paris”, a clear stand-out on an album of many successes, features new vibes player Peter Schlamb to great effect.

But there are strong, memorable compositions (the upbeat opener “Growin’ Up”, the more meditative title track and “Everybody’s Wonderland”, the Ornette Coleman-like “La Tequira”, the closer, “Our Inventions”) throughout a very fine album.

Highly recommended.