Musically-rich jazz listening
Brian A. Skiff | Flagstaff, AZ USA | 03/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a long-time fan of Bloom's, this new album will not disappoint. If the recent "Red Quartets" has been your only exposure, then you are likely to find this one somewhat more cerebral and abstract, without the wide range of emotional expression and warm romance that is so strong on the previous album. The second half of this one has only the sax/bass/drums trio, harking back to her earliest work, but with stunningly accomplished playing on all hands. The revisit to the latin-rhythmed "Varo", which appeared on her first (1978) album, is a kick, complete with a hint of North Africa wafting off the ocean. Elsewhere the serious playfulness is there, along with her understated but classy turned blues phrases, which a lot of folks tend to miss. With only one or two hummable tunes, this is definitely not radio-ready jazz, and will make Kenny G fans run for cover. If you're looking for a way out of the post-bop rut, here's one direction to head toward."