"Umbra" is the latest album by Matt Otto, an impressive tenor saxophonist and composer...Unique. Creative. Brilliant. Progressive. Musical.
From New York to Los Angeles and Kansas City, saxophonist Matt Otto always cultivated an inspired musical community with which to surround himself. Now having 14 years of performances with the energized and spontaneous KC duo of bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer John Kizilarmut, the vibrancy of their interactions is a given, and apparent, as the trio provides the momentum for this set of nine Otto originals. On several tracks, Matt Villinger's Fender Rhodes provides astute chordal realizations of Otto's harmonies, while guitarist Alex Frank adds an edge of free, '70s-era fusion energy. Also featured is the Paris-based trumpeter Hermon Mehari, who returns to his Kansas City roots occasionally and was in town to add his sparkling voice to three pieces. Embracing harmonic openness and guided by their shared sense of direction and play, Otto and his ensemble create a captivating musical emprise within Umbra.
"...like a skilled boxer, he stays within himself, confidently bobbing and weaving melody through the steady rhythm, jabbing and dancing, soloing in flurries of notes." Jazz Review
Click here to listen to the album
Matt Otto - tenor sax
Jeff Harshbarger - bass
John Kizilarmut - drums
Hermon Mehari - trumpet (1,4,8)
Matt Villinger - Rhodes (1,2,4,6,8)
Alex Frank - guitar (1,2,4,6,8)
Produced by Matt Otto
Recorded July 2022 & Feb. 2023 by Duane Trower
at Weights and Measures, Kansas City, MO
Mixed & mastered by Matt Otto
at Jazz Collective Records, Kansas City, MO
Cover design & layout by John Bishop