Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band
Fields of Moons
Jazzheads Record
www.jazzheads.com
By George W. Harris

In the liner notes to this release, trombonist/composer Chris Washburne lays his cards on the table by letting us know that his septet is going to hold in the reins and emphasize “lilting lullabies, evocative ballads and alluring songs of love.” Truth in advertising here, as the band lets the candles burn down low, with quite and caressing percussion percolating under originals like “Seas Of Summer” and “Non Spoken.” The lead horns of Washburne, John Walsh/tp-fh, and Ole Mathesen/reeds float with, rather than attack, Mingus’ “Duke Ellington’s Sound Of Love” and Benny Carter’s “When Lights Are Low,” with the melody of “Poinciana” subtly showing up like a cameo appearance. Washburne’s got a great tone, and he shows great restraint here, showing that sometimes the best way to get heard is to whisper.