Back Burner

The esteemed guitartist Martin Budde is aligned with Ben Feldman and Xavier Lecouturier for this first effort as leader on the Origin label, where mostly covers unfold with both uplifting bouts and melancholy present.

"Red" opens and makes an immediate impression thanks to Budde's sparkling guitar lines and Lecouturier's meticulous drumming that cultivates many grooves, and the title track follows with a hint of intimacy, where Feldman's strategic bass won't go unappreciated.

"Eye To The Sky" and "My Old Man" occupy the middle spots, where the former uses the warm rhythm section amid Budde's fluid guitar, while the latter enters dreamy territory via the spirited guitar and emotive bass prowess.

Landing near the end, "Eyak" radiates introspective ideas alongside crisp drums and glowing guitar, and "Parker Peak" finishes with reflective beauty that resonates timeless and dynamic jazz intricacy that will always be relevant.

A highly adaptable listen that embraces Budde's experience with country, folk and Americana, each track here retains a specific identity that continues to illustrate the artist finding his own unique voice.