Fine Whines

Drummer Brooke Sofferman is as talented a writer as he is a drummer. His original music features complex time signatures, unusual rhythms, tricky chord changes, unexpected development, constant surprises, and close attention paid to dynamics, and is both thoroughly unpredictable and ultimately logical. Sofferman's quintet utilizes players who are familiar with his music, which is fortunate because this is not jam-session material. While trumpeter Phil Grenadier and saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi take consistently impressive solos, guitarist Norm Zocher (whose style at times recalls both John Scofield and John Abercrombie) often takes honors. This stimulating set of modern music is easily recommended to listeners wanting to hear 21st century jazz.