Urban Nomad

Geof Bradfield is the latest Chicago artist to record a superb record for Seattle's Origin Records. Linked to one of the baddest rhythm sections that Chicago has to offer, this album has the whole package: groove, great tunes and stellar soloing. It would be easy enough to end the review here with a two-word benediction?buy this?but instead, I will elaborate on why this is such a good album.

First off, as always, it's about the players. Bradfield sounds fantastic and buoyant, bobbing and weaving in and out of the spaces that this rhythm section provides. His writing is tight and solid. Ron Perrillo needs no introduction to any avid jazz fan in Chicago. His piano playing has graced every great stage in Chicago, from his weekly stand at Pete Miller's to his first call status as a pianist of choice for plenty of horn players who come through town to play at the Jazz Showcase. And with good reason. His chops are always evident, but almost never showy. That we've yet to see a Ron Perrillo-led recording should be a federal crime, but I'll take hearing him rip through some great jazz tunes, especially considering how sympathetic the other players on this side are. George Fludas and Clark Sommers both continue to impress me every time I hear them, and Urban Nomad is no exception.

Secondly, the tunes are great. Whether they're Geof's originals, or well-placed and well-played standards, this is a program of excellent music. The title track is pretty and shows off Geof's skills on the soprano. However, the second tune, "Janus Groove," is not only the highlight of this album, it might very well be one of my favorite tracks of the year. The melody is cool enough, but the interaction between Bradfield and Perrillo in this one knocks it clear out of the park. "Ever Ever Land" builds from a light two-beat intro into a fire-breathing beast of a tune that is definitely worth the wait. "Twirl" is great for the way it evokes, without ever imitating, Miles Davis's great sixties quintet. "Chin Check" is more high-octane stuff, and this band excels at this tempo and intensity level.

Hopefully, some other people will end up as excited about this record as I am. This is what it's supposed to be about: playing original music and playing it well, with plenty of imagination and energy. If Chris Potter or Mark Turner are your cup of tea, you will be impressed as well. And that brings me right back to that two-word benediction: buy this.