Criss Cross Jazz 1317 CD

Seamus Blake

Bellwether

Ever since he debuted with The Call (Criss 1088) back in 1994, saxophonist Seamus Blake's star has been on the rise and he continues to be a valued member of the Criss Cross family.

As a follow-up to Way Out Willy (Criss 1288), Blake's latest features pianist David Kikoski, guitarist Lage Lund, bassist Matt Clohesy, and drummer Bill Stewart on another electrifying set of originals that sparkle with creativity and the kind of integrity that marks the best of today's current generation of jazz artists.

Among a decidedly upbeat set of tunes, highlights further include some deeply moving statements from the saxophonist and Lund on the introspective The Song That Lives Inside. Rounding out the mix are takes on John Scofield's Dance Me Home and a third stream-inspired reworking of Debussy's String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 10.