Bob Moses/Tisziji Munoz: Love Everlasting

Coltrane’s influence is overt on Love Everlasting. The program concludes with an effective reading of “Naima,” and there’s even a dedicatory note on the sleeve, but most listeners would hear the connection from the first notes. The writing is somewhat reminiscent of Ascension, though the themes tend to stay with one tonal center instead of moving around and the players stay closer to that reference point. The music doesn’t get to the flipped-out intensity of Ascension, either. The emphasis is to a large extent on group interaction and color, though the players all have strong solo voices. Saxophonists George Garzone and Jerry Bergonzi combine with guitarist Tisiji Munoz for a lot of the swirling, upper atmosphere, while Bob Moses and two bassists, John Lockwood and Wesley Wirth, ground things.

Inbetween are keyboard player Brad Hatfield and John Medeski, a pianist who has absorbed influences like Tyner but has his own voice. Listeners who haven’t overdosed on Coltrane-inspired jazz should consider this disc, which navigates its own way in these familiar waters.

Originally Published July 1, 2000