The core team of woodwind master John Ellis, guitar man Adam Levy and keyboardist Glenn Patscha is supported by Chris Morrisey/b, Dan Rieser and vibists Stefan Bauer or Erin Donovan on this collection of post bop originals and readings.
Morrisey guides the team through an angular take of Abdullah Ibrahim’s “Barakaat” with some velvety tenor tones, while “Magnolia Triangle” is a dark bopper. Patscha’s “Bahia” is a mellow and gentle soulful affair, while Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic” is a gentle duet between Ellis’ clarinet and Levy’s strings. Ellis’ “Better Angels” has a fun gospelish feel along with textured bass clarinet, with the team getting dreamy on “Dogwood” and giving some C&W frivolity to the fun “Portage La Prairie”. Impresssions of the silent soul.