Harris Eisenstadt: September Trio

For an album of works composed and directed by the drummer, September Trio doesn’t focus on Harris Eisenstadt. Tenor saxophonist Ellery Eskelin stands out with his broad tone and flair for microtonal pitch bends, which lends drama to his voice. Pianist Angelica Sanchez adds glistening lines that open up the music, whether it sounds like a free ballad (as several of these tracks do) or something built on clear changes. But Eisenstadt makes himself known, stirring the mixture delicately in a way that recalls Paul Motian’s approach to such sensitive music. He may not always play time, but he’s clearly contributing to the ebb and flow.