So It Goes

Saxophonist and composer Kate Olson is a new name to me and I believed that "So It Goes" (OA2 Records) was the debut recording for her and her fine quartet. A trip to her Bandcamp page (https://kateplayssax.bandcamp.com/) quickly dispelled my belief that I was reviewing her debut album. It is the first recording for Ms. Olson and her band, consisting of Connor Eisenmenger (trumpet, trombone, effects), Tim Carey (electric bass, electric guitar on one track), and Evan Woodle (drumset, percussion). The album takes its name from a statement repeated by the main character (Billy Pilgrim) in Kurt Vonnegut's dark comedic 1969 classic "Slaughterhouse Five, or The Children's Crusade: A Duty Dance With Death". The title track comes in the middle of the nine-song program. It's bluesy, Americana-like, ballad replete with blowsy trombone, strong piano (from guest Wayne Horvitz), and an emotionally rich soprano sax solo from the leader.

What stands out is how versatile the musicians are and how Ms. Olson shapes the music around each player. The electric bass adds a lighter tone to the rhythm section while drummer Woodle plays with a sweet touch: he's got power as well but his swinging work on this song stands out not just for his "groove" but how non-intrusive he can be (unless called upon).

There's humor and swing on several other tracks including album opener "Bumbling Thumbs Blues", "All Pear-Shaped" and the closer, "Weigh Out". All three have a unison opening melody before the piece opens up for solos. On "Bumbling...", trombonist Eisenmenger, the leader, and bassist Carey share the solo section with Woodle. It feels like music that ends the set; instead, it serves as a splendid introduction to the Quartet. "...Pear-Shaped" has a funkier feel, with particularly kicking drums. This time, the trombonist goes off on a delicious ramble while the rhythm section keeps the music percolating. Ms. Olson's soprano solo is next and her playful lines dance over the active drums and bass. Carey's bass solo starts and he certainly has good chops. Then, the band "trades 4s" with Woodle. "Weigh Out" is the most rambunctious piece on the program, taking the album out on a high.

The only tune Ms. Olson did not compose is "Translinear Light", the title track of Alice Coltrane's final studio album (2004). Joined again by pianist Horvitz as well as acoustic bassist Geoff Harper, the musicians dig into the power and majesty of the piece. Ms. Olson's soprano work reflects that of John Coltrane as it flutters and flies above and over the powerful rhythm section. The music shows a very different side of the Quartet and of Ms. Olson's playing.

All told, "So It Goes" is a good introduction to Kate Olson, a musician and composer whose ideas and execution are fully formed. Her talented band will continue to mature (listen to the lovely ballad "Pink Forest" to get an idea how the Quartet can shine) so the future looks very bright. "So It Goes" is well-worth exploring!