Patrick Cornelius (alto sax); Michael Janisch (bass); Kristjan Randalu (piano); Paul Wiltgen (drums).
Arcadia were, it seems, previously known as TransAtlantic Collective under which heading they performed close to 100 concerts in 8 different countries from 2006 - 2009.
They have come together again to take the listener on a journey through a set of, quote, "inspiring scenes".
These scenes include a description of an ascent of Great Head Mountain (Way of the Cairns), a beachside stargazing party - as one does - (Star Party) and other explorations through the "untamed wilderness" of Arcadia, an American National Park up there in the northeastern corner of Maine.
I'll hold my hand up and confess that themes and theme parks don't really cut it with me. Despite the writer's intentions, they could be anywhere.
However, dismiss the intentions and listen to it as music without a mountain lion in sight then you are in for a treat.
Cornelius has a tone reminiscent of Art Pepper before Pepper boarded the "Trane". If Pepper had developed his own style without being radicalised the chances are he'd have come out very close to what Cornelius is doing here. With Whirlwind's head honcho on bass and fine support from Randalu and Wiltgen the quartet gel perfectly.
Forget about the concept - it's all in the ears of the beholder - just sit back and listen. If you happen to have a passing acquaintance with an alto sax then take your horn, the album, a month's* supply of food and head for the woodshed.
Lance
* You may need longer!
Available (UK) from Nov. 6 on CD, vinyl and digital from Whirlwind Recordings.
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