Quiet Silence

This is not only one of the finest albums produced by Seattle's Origin Records, it's one of the most satisfying, well-made and seductive recordings currently in rotation in my house. The world-jazz mood is dark and earthy, like flamenco and electric Miles � with minor keys, throbbing bass lines and unusual meters.

Marc Seales' Fender Rhodes provides a slinky, silken cushion. Saxophonists Mark Taylor (alto) and Rob Davis (tenor) take the lead lines, Phil Sparks plays with Mingus-like conviction and drummer/leader Matt Jorgensen (a partner at Origin) drives the proceedings with multidirectional precision and fire.

The rock-ish "Everything in the Right Place" has a joyous, Dave Holland-like determination. "Tumbleweed" evokes the lonesome, pensive mood its title suggests. A bossa nod to Burt Bacharach, with "The Look of Love," is a nice touch; tackling Coltrane's "India" is a bold move. Nice work!