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Gypsy Schaeffer : Portamental

The second CD from this hip quartet mixes sly modernism, catchy grooves and a sonic palette reminiscent of Charles Mingus. It’s an enjoyable brew, and the disc exudes a true collaborative spirit, with each member contributing two or three tunes, all of them lively and well crafted. Trombonist Joel Yennior has an even-tempered tone that balances beautifully with Andy Voelker’s bright, peppy saxophone. Their solos are logical, their dialogue rewarding. While the group also has a wild streak, they’re at their best when they don’t push too hard, instead building up a gentle head of steam and just enjoying the ride.

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