Reflections

Adam Kolker has proven himself with a number of introspective recordings during his career, and Reflections continues in that mode. Starting with a fresh look at "Soon It's Gonna Rain" (from the long-running musical The Fantastiks), he improvises an introduction overdubbing on multiple flutes and clarinets, then switches to tenor sax for an explorative duet with guitarist John Abercrombie. He interprets the standard "Nature Boy" on flute as a spacious duet with vocalist Judi Silvano. Back on tenor, Kolker's hip treatment of Thelonious Monk's "Let's Call This" takes on an Afro-Cuban rhythm, including bassist John Hebert and drummer Billy Mintz. Pianist Russ Lossing is added on three songs, including Kolker's emotional, well-named ballad "Reflection" and on Silvano's rapid-fire scat vehicle "Boscarob." Lossing penned the heartfelt "Song Along the Way," a lovely ballad with a bittersweet air. Mintz contributed the inspired "Flight," which sounds improvised on the spot as the trio keeps shifting its focus. Adam Kolker continues to stand apart as an inventive performer, composer, and arranger with his brilliant Reflections.