Dragons appear in mythologies in Asia and Europe, from Judaism to Buddhism to Hinduism. They are bringers of wisdom, tyrannical harbingers of the apocalypse, and fearsome foes to be vanquished. Christian Sands, the 29-year-old rising star of jazz piano, has chosen to name his most recent release Facing Dragons , due in part to gaining wisdom as a leader – this is his third recording under his own name – and also his going in a new direction “musically and spiritually,” as he wrote in his acknowledgements on the disc, and facing dragons that may be fearsome. In taking risks, and collaborating with new musicians, Sands does not merely face his dragons. All the way through the recording, Sands’ compositions are powerful, thoughtful, and elegant. eight of the nine cuts are originals, and range from straight-ahead jazz to improvisational introspection. The only piece Sands didn’t compose is an arrangement of the McCartney/Lennon number “Yesterday.” With the way Sands and the trio interpre
Even though The Groove Hunter is the first recording under McClenty Hunter Jr.’s name, don’t be fooled: Hunter is no newcomer to the scene. Having spent the last 13 years as a session musician, side man, and educator, Hunter is a seasoned professional. On The Groove Hunter , Hunter draws on this wide array of experiences, and calls on many of the musicians he’s played in support of, to present a masterful album full of great arrangements and beautiful original compositions. Surprisingly, it is not the drums that stand out on the recording. While Hunter’s drum work is noteworthy, it is the performances Hunter coaxes from his bandmates that are truly spectacular. Stacy Dillard’s tenor saxophone on “My Love” and “Give Thanks” -- two of McClenty’s original compositions -- is absolutely magnificent. Veteran players Eric Reed, Donald Harrison, Eddie Henderson, and Dave Stryker each bring their characteristic sound to the cuts they feature on; Stryker’s guitar work on the two pieces he sit