Joe Martin
Not By Chance
Anzic Records
www.anzicrecords.com
By George W. Harris

Reliable NY sideman Joe Martin has put together an all star quintet
with Chris Potter, Brad Mehldau and Marcus Gilmore that delivers up
intelligent and complex originals. Martin plays mostly a supporting
role with his bass, not over indulging in soloing, giving a lion’s
share of the space to Potter, who seems comfortable and relaxed not
leading a group for a change. He brings forth a serene soprano on the
title track, and a brooding bass clarinet on Jaco Pastorious’ “The
Balloon Song.”His tenor is lithe and serpentine on the winding
“Semente” and “Far” while he volleys back and forth with Mehldau on
“Cache.” Mehldau, also, seems inspired to be out of the spotlight, and
delivers rhythmic work on “A Dream” and “The Stoic.” The band plays
like informal friends, and the sparks fly comfortably here. There is no
random selection here; Intelligent Design rules the day on this release.