June 2008

BMR4
Turning Point
Hallway Records

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

The members of Chicago quartet BMR4 have roots in both jazz and blues. They easily bridge the gap in this set, a cheerful straightahead mix with sources ranging from Fats Waller to James Brown to Black Sabbath. Saxophonist Jay Moynihan plays soulful tenor and alto horn, at times getting downright greasy alongside the airy, ringing lines of guitarist Neal Alger. There are a few diversions into musical fluff, but this band also knows how to get a groove on.