People & Places

The inimitable pianist and keyboardist Marc Seales is joined by the tenor sax wizard Ernie Watts and Bruce Lett and Moyes Lucas Jr. for 8 tracks of blues influenced jazz.

"Rue Cler" leads with much attention to mood, as the ambient keys and soulful sax are met with Lucas Jr.'s playful drums, and "Palladium", the lone cover, follows with plenty of melody thanks to animated keys, bright sax and a frisky rhythm section.

"For You My Dear" and "The Muddy Chicago Blues" land in the middle. The former is an elegant moment of dreamy intimacy, while the latter offers an infectious blues spirit amid the radiant jazz qualities.

Arriving late in the listen, "Ascending Truth" is full of poetic and rich songwriting that's heartfelt, and "Home Light" exits with Lett's meticulous bass playing that suits the graceful piano, crisp drums and glowing sax.

The songs present have spanned the last 30 years, and the interaction between the quartet is nothing short of infectious, authentic and timeless.