German-born/New Orleans-based saxophonist Martin Krusche currently leads a revolving cast of local players under the Magnetic Ear moniker, but After the Rain documents a trio version of the group in which Krusche is joined by Kevin O’Day (drums) and Matt Perrine (sousaphone). In terms of instrumentation, this Magnetic Ear harkens back to Sam Rivers’ “Tuba Trio” (with Joe Daley’s tuba in what would usually be the bass role) and Arthur Blythe’s ensembles with Bob Stewart. Using a low brass horn in place of a bass is a good way to sidestep convention and link the music to jazz’s early roots, and with a player as adept as Perrine, the sonic possibilities can really open up. Krusche also employs a harmonizer on his saxophone for organ and accordion-like voicings, though this gets overused a bit. O’Day is his usual excellent self, combining power and finesse in tasty proportions.

Most of the tunes are Krusche’s save three: Billy Strayhorn’s “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing,” the rap piece “Coming On Strong” (credited to Earl “The Pearl” and Chauncey Yearwood), and Coltrane’s “After the Rain” (in what I assume to be a post-Katrina reference). Generally speaking, at this stage in the game it’s not a good idea for saxophone players to cover Coltrane tunes. It’s roughly analogous to guitar players covering Hendrix tunes—the composer is such an iconic figure who restructured the approach to his instrument that unless the interpreter is hurling some serious lightning, the rendition will come up lacking. That said, Magnetic Ear’s take on “After the Rain” works by not overplaying its hand. Krusche renders the tune with pleasingly dry lyricism over a Perrine-blown drone and O’Day’s cymbal wash. The solos avoid obvious Coltrane licks, and it closes the album on a reverent note.