Jazz Police - Jimmy Greene Issues His “Mission Statement” (Razdaz Recordz)

Mission Statement features tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene along his working band of Xavier Davis on keyboards, Reuben Rogers on bass and Eric Harland on drums. They have performed together for seven years and their musical conversations are superb and seemingly effortless, though we know that’s not the case. (BTW, for effective discourse, is there anyone who practices the art of listening better than accomplished jazz musicians?)

The Greene Quartet is developing the simpatico you hear from super groups that have been together awhile and appear to communicate telepathically when performing. Examples of this would be the Keith Jarrett Trio, the Branford Marsalis Quartet or the Dave Holland Quintet. The musicianship on this album is as tight as those standard-bearers. Guest appearances are made by guitarist Lage Lund and vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and it all adds up to a buy recommendation for this CD.

Jimmy Greene©Pablo Secca

The title track is a spirited opening where the runway is cleared for Greene and Lund to take individual flights and then engage in a brisk call-and-response exchange, soon followed by a Harland improvisation with Greene then closing things out. “Fathers And Sons” by hint of suggestion sets a deliberative mood encouraging you to reflect about what it means to be a father, son or both. Thoughtful musings first by Greene, then Lund, with soulful support from the rhythm section, enhance the vibe.

“Trials” has an extended introduction succeeded by solos from Greene, Davis and Harland which expand different elements of the initial construct. “Revelation” features Greene on soprano and Harris on vibraphone who come through with a grand piece of collaboration. The contrapuntal “Mr. Octopus” extends a star turn to each member of the quartet to shine brightly. “Ana Grace” can be summed up in one word—beautiful.

All ten compositions are originals from Greene. Those mentioned above, along with other selection highlights such as “Love In Action,” “YeahYouRight!,” and “Give Thanks,” will yield an optimal return on your album investment.