April 2008

Nathan Eklund Group
The Crooked Line
Jazz Excursion

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

Trumpeter Nathan Eklund’s second quintet album first attracts attention for the warmth of his distinctive modernist compositions and the appealing good nature of the ensemble. It is only later that the quality of the soloists really starts to come forward, as Eklund’s moody trumpet and smooth flugelhorn make a delectable match with Craig Yaremko’s expressively soulful sax work. Brian Killeen’s spot-on basslines also stand out, anchoring Joe Elefante’s upbeat piano, while drummer Josh Dion sketches lively lines at the perimeter.