While We Have Time

In the introduction to alto saxophonist Maddie Vogler's debut recording, While We Have Time, are two striking images. The first is the cover shot, a pair of venerable unmatched hands, depicting those of the artist's immigrant grandmothers, beautifully and simply adorned. The second image is the inside photo of a vibrant young woman, an alto saxophone cradled in her hands. Maddie Vogler.

Unusually for a debut, it is a set of all originals, but Vogler is up to the challenge. She explores the small and sometimes complicated intricacies of everyday life with a youthful verve, aided and abetted by her mentor, trumpeter Tito Carrillo. The disc opens with a fiery "The Need To Be." Vogler sounds a bit like Jackie McLean, with her high-energy articulation and a tart tone, before the tune shifts into a Latin-esque piano trio groove featuring Jake Shapiro's fluid melodic grace.

"Corridors" is a laid-back reverie, with guitarist Matt Gold stepping out front with a melancholy elegance. Vogler has assembled a terrific band here, with the bass and drums pairing of Samuel Peters and Neil Hemphill, respectively, laying down an understated foundation for Vogler's writing.

Trumpeter Carrillo opens the title tune, soon to be joined by Vogler. It is the prettiest of melodies, addressing the passing of time, and how we chose to use it with our loved ones. Carrillo and Vogler trade statements. As on much of the music, there are terrific solos all around, but they are short and concise, lovely and straight to the point.

"Hymn For August" is dedicated to "all of her students." She teaches music at the high school level, a profession with the potential to positively affect so many lives. Vogler expresses the awe and inspiration she gets from these young people as profound holiness.

"Check Engine Light" closes the disc, with trumpeter Carrillo and alto saxophonist Vogler bantering back and forth, discussing, perhaps, the meaning and the potential ominousness of the confounding warning.