4-Sight

Four-Sight comprise a quartet of the most talented young musicians in late '90s mainstream jazz. Saxophonist Ron Blake, pianist Peter Martin, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson collectively have plenty of vision and chops to burn. They are asserting themselves as composers on this debut disc, and though not distinctive, the music is lyrically substantial and played with a warmth and soul that can be enjoyed by neo-trad and post-boppers alike. A straight-ahead modern swingfest with a few rhythmic derivations comprises their collective stance. Most impressive in odd meters, the band strides through the tricky modality of the kicker, Martin's 7/4 "Parabola," and solid proof that all four can really jam. The steady stop-start "Re: Evaluation" is steady until Martin's dizzying solo. Whitaker's pieces show a definite spiritual side from different rhythmic perspectives; "Visions of the Past" has dark, deep introspection especially from Blake's tenor; "Mastery Through Love" is slower with bass and tenor unison, a little funkier in the bridge, building to a dramatic, loud ending with overdubbed soprano; "Love Endures" is a hard bop, soprano-fired scorcher; and "First Love Only Love" is an easy waltz with soprano and bass trading melody lines. Martin plays quite a bit of Fender Rhodes electric piano funking up "In the Flow" and "En Jai Jai," but is more soulful on the seven-beat ballad "Sweet." Martin's gospel informed acoustic piano takes another ballad, "Marti," to its most soulful conclusion. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi