Trombonist Jeff Albert approaches creative music from a variety of angles.
His compositions allow for an abundance of free improvisation while also embracing
melodic cores and a range of rhythms. Albert and tenor and alto saxophonist
Ray
Moore often go head-to-head, exchanging bars and feeding off each other with
some solid results as heard on “Solar Regulation.” Minus a chordal
instrument like piano or guitar, the group takes advantage of the space on material
like the humorous “Sizzling Sausage” and almost funkified “Neon
Monkey.” Everyone, including bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Dave
Capello, gets to state their case. Albert does take some time for himself on “Lunch
Is the Question” that actually starts swinging when the full ensemble comes
in on the head. With so many bright moments on the disc, it’s curious that
Albert introduces it with a rather dark number, “Moonswell.” It doesn’t
make for a particularly welcoming salutation and would fare better after the
group warmed up listeners with more accessible selections. With its lifting attitude,
strong solos and ensemble work, a tune like “Neon Monkey” better
represents the best of what Albert and company have to offer.