This is the first solo release for trumpeter/fluegelhornist
Matt Hilgenberg
.
Hilgenberg
sets the mood for
Rasa
with a tone that is lyrical and reflective and at times borders on brooding and mysterious. In the liner notes,
explains that
means "clear" or a source of inspiration, which certainly describes the outstanding rhythm section featuring pianist
Frank Kimbrough
(a founding member of
the Jazz Composers Collective
), bassist
Mike Richmond
, and drummer
Adam Nussbaum
. These musicians are in constant sync with each other throughout. Unfortunately, tenor saxophonist
Jared Hunter
only appears on three cuts, which doesn't allow him as much solo space as he deserves. Of the eight compositions on
, six are
originals. The remaining pieces are
Kimbrough
's swirling and
Monk-ish
"The Spins"
and the standard
"Softly As in a Morning Sunrise."
Released on the
Double-Time
label. ~ Al Campbell