Survival of the Fittest

Tenor saxophonist Jordan VanHemert's fifth album as a leader, Survival Of The Fittest, was partly borne out of anger and distress after losing a teaching job due to budget cuts (he has since found one at a different college) and his experiences with racism in general. Despite that, the music on this release (five originals, "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise," "Come Sunday," a Korean folk song, and a blues) is generally hopeful, optimistic, and even joyful.

VanHemert, who has a large and personal tone, is joined by pianist Helen Sung, bassist Rodney Whitaker, drummer Lewis Nash, and occasionally trombonist Michael Dease and trumpeter Terell Stafford. The set begins with "Here And Now" which serves as a fine introduction to VanHemert, his all-star rhythm section and Dease. "Tread Lightly" is a tribute to Thad Jones that has Nash's drum breaks functioning as part of the melody and Sung taking a particularly spirited solo. Whitaker, whose huge tone on the bass is a consistent delight throughout the program, shares solo honors on "Mourning Comes Again" with Stafford.

Three songs are taken as duets. VanHemert's interplay with drummer Lewis Nash on a fiery but generally melodic rendition of "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise" is outstanding. "Sea Of Tranquility" is a picturesque and otherworldly duet with Sung while "Come Sunday" with bassist Whitaker is respectful yet passionate and a bit adventurous. The other songs are a spiritual jazz transformation of the Korean song "Milyang Arirang," the medium-tempo "Mo's Blues" with the full sextet, and a driving hard bop original "Survival Of The Fittest."

Throughout Survival Of The Fittest, Jordan VanHemert shows that music can help overcome adversity. The result is a satisfying album.