Album review: Tim Armacost Chordless Quintet - Something About Believing (TMA Records)

Tim Armacost (tenor sax); Tom Harrell (trumpet); Gary Smulyan (baritone sax); John Patitucci (bass); Al Foster (drums).

Although recorded at The Bunker, Brooklyn, NY on April 6, 2022, this one arrived via Rivedoux-Plage, a small fishing port in southwestern France. There's no clue as to why it should have taken this 'scenic route' but I'm pleased that it did eventually get here via land, sea and air - maybe even by bus and rail - it's a gem!

Given the absence of a piano it would be easy draw a parallel with the various Gerry Mulligan small groups of the 1950s but that would be a cop-out. There's a warmth about these tracks that was missing from those west coast sessions, excellent as they were. Indeed I cut my teeth on the Mulligan quartet and sextet recordings and they will forever have a place in my heart if not too often on my turntable.

Smulyan and Harrell have taken the groundbreaking work of Gerry and Chet and, with Armacost on tenor, brought it closer to the present day without any loss of musicality. 

The tenor player composed both the opener and the closer. 

It's Really Just a Blues does what it claims and much more. True it is a blues and the soloists stretch out without allowing the listener's attention to drift but, there's also some exciting contrapuntal passages that raise it far above the average 12-bar workout. 

On the closer, Armacost's pertinently titled DisUnited States, Patitucci lets his fingers do the walking and Foster supports and solos alongside the horns in this classic blues-drenched piece.

In between those two tracks we have John Handy's Dance With the Lady; Al Foster's The Chief; Duke's Something 'Bout Believing; Monk's Oska T and Harold Land's Vendetta.

Harrell's rich tone is like a single malt matured in an oak-charred barrel. It's initially smooth but when it hits, you know you've been hit! It's no surprise that, some years ago, singer Zöe Gilby put words to his music. He has a melodic flare about his playing that demands them.

In recent years, Smulyan has long been my favourite living baritone player. After listening last night I dreamt about playing baritone. When I awoke I remembered the dream vividly which is something I've rarely done before. That gives you an indication of the effect his playing had on me. Someday I'll tell you about that dream - it's a lulu!

Armacost, didn't inspire any dreams last night - maybe tonight - nevertheless, his full-bodied, dyed in the wool, hard bop tenor playing once heard is never to be forgotten.

Patitucci and Foster have enhanced many legendary recordings and their presence here as the chordless rhythm section is more important than ever. Integral is the word I'm looking for. They are very much an integral part of the whole shebang.

Available from August 2. Lance

BANDCAMP.