A hard-swinging, jostling, jolting quintet session co-led by Steve Grismore (guitar) and Paul Scea (reeds), Of What features 12 wide-open, modern tunes propelled by stellar rhythmic support from bassist John Turner and pyrotechnic drummer Matt Wilson. Grismore and Scea team tightly with trumpeter Tim Hagans and generate solos ranging from fully-charged, explorative forays to sensitive straight ahead musings. Hagans solos with the fine intensity and perfection he’s displayed as Blue Note leader and sideman to Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider and others. To prove this crew can occasionally relax the intensity, they deliver a smooth tribute ballad, “Gone But Not Forgotten,” and a lightly frolicking “Just Play.” In addition to all-around, first-rate musicianship on their second Accurate album, it’s the Gilmore/Scea original material rife with fresh melodies, ethereal harmonies and toe-tapping catchy rhythms that engages the adventure-seeking listener.
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