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Guitarist Aldcroft, always a front-runner in exploring new jazz avenues, unearths his most rewarding finds yet. On this group's debut recording, which moves easily through composed passages, free blowing, textual improv and jazz format allusions he elicits earnest support and fractious commentary as possibilities are posited, then shattered, from trombonist Scott Thomson, alto saxist Evan Shaw, bass Wes Neal and redoubtable drummer Joe Sorbara. The leader's arching compositions are grouped into five medleys, six of the 10 components originally drafted to accompany Buster Keaton movies Our Hospitality and The General. Naturally they're remade here. A big plus are the energetic, shape-shifting ensembles in which Thomson impresses. |