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Rahsaan Barber: Everyday Magic

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Nashville-based saxophonist Rahsaan Barber reveals an aggressively swinging side on the fiery opener “Jubilee,” then digs into some raspy tenor testifying on the gospel-tinged “Floodsong,” which also features an outstanding solo by guitarist Adam Agati. He shifts gears on the soulful “Manhattan Grace,” featuring some bluesy Robben Ford-esque wailing by Agati, who also engages in scintillating call-and-response with the leader on alto. Barber further demonstrates his versatility on the soprano sax waltz-time number “Innocence” and on the flute feature “Adagio.” “Memphis Soul” is some pocket funk featuring Barber’s twin brother Roland on trombone, channeling his inner Fred Wesley. And the dramatic title track has Barber on tenor sax and Agati wailing on edgy, distortion-laced guitar.

Originally Published