4-Sight: 4-Sight

Producer Carl Griffin is the driving force behind this recording. Griffin, one of the few African Americans who heads up the Jazz division of a medium -size jazz record label, had the idea of putting together a quartet of some of the best young players in today’s music with the goal of making progressive, contemporary music that was original, not derivative. He has succeeded. There are tasty grooves and remarkably adept playing on 4-Sight’s debut CD. Call this late ’90s, straight and jazz.

The ensemble, which includes saxophonist Ron Blake, pianist Peter Martin, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, manages to combine tradition with a groove-intensive modern sensibility. Blake, best known for his work with Roy Hargrove, is a particularly potent tenor who shows remarkable promise. And in addition to really locking up as a rhythm section, Martin, Whitaker, and Hutchinson solo proficently as well.

Hopefully, given the uncertainty present in working jazz groups today, one can only hope this band stays long enough to really come together musically.

Originally Published October 1, 1998