For his sophomore release on Posi-Tone Records, saxophonist Brandon Wright delivers strong, assured soloing over a batch of standout original tunes and a few covers.Journeyman also features the first-rate rhythm section of pianist David Kikoski, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Donald Edwards, all colleagues of Wright from the Mingus Big Band.
Wright’s robust tenor sound highlights his uncanny sense of swing, busting down the door on the opening “Shapeshifter,” a twirling line based on “What is This Thing Called Love,” and the funky blues of “Walk of Shame.” The latter reveals stunning telepathic interplay between Edwards and Kikoski. A pseudo bossa version of Pearl Jam’s “Better Man” along with the feel good swing of “He’ll Make Me Happy,” from The Muppets songbook, work well with the quartet.
