Disc of the day: 01-11-09

Clark Tracey Sextet: Current Climate (Tentoten TTTCDS761)
The drummer son is continuing the tradition of his father pianist (and of a big influence, Art Blakey) by opening his band up to rising talent, and keeping the music invigorated as a result.

So on piano is former Empirical member Kit Downes, on vibes is current Empirical member Lewis Wright, on bass is a familiar player to Birmingham audiences Ryan Trebilcock, and in front are Paul Jordanous on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Piers Green on saxophone, both past members of the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra (previously Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra).

The climate is currently brisk, blowy and changeable, with Tracey penning cheerful, hard bop numbers, Downes adding a reflective moment of stillness with Export, Trebilcock heading in the bebop direction with 5 Bellies, and other music provided by Cedar Walton, Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter.

The playing is all very fine indeed. Sometimes the solos may sound assured but predictable, but more often than not they are filled with originality – especially from Downes. And Tracey knows how to vary the mood, add the dynamics, just when to steam ahead and when to lay back. Good recording sound, too, courtesy of Derek Nash.