Guitarist Brent Canter performs original jazz with a rock and funk edge on Urgency of Now, his debut release for Posi-Tone Records. The California native, now based in New York, astonishes with lyrical melodies over infectious grooves. Even the odd-metered pieces “Meet Me Halfway” and “Marina Del Rey” flow freely with a propulsive vigor. As a soloist, Canter is an inventive risk-taker, swirling horn-like lines into cohesive statements. The guitarist’s tasteful use of distortion adds to the intensity of each solo, especially the explosive piece “With Eyes Closed”—drummer Jordan Perlson exhibits jaw-dropping precision here—and the tight funk of the closing title track.
The core of Canter’s sound is the classic organ combo, featuring Perlson and alternating organists Adam Klipple and Pat Bianchi. Tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, who expands the ensemble on a handful of tunes, sets the bar high with stunning solo turns and a signature sound that seems to nestle into Canter’s compositional style.
Urgency of Now is a compelling release, indicating a bright future, not only for Canter, but jazz guitar in general.
