Genuinity

I recently purchased Jason Palmer's "Live at Wally's, Volume 1" which included Noah Preminger. I thought this front line was so terrific that I looked around for something else featuring them and quickly found this. Tenor saxophonist Preminger and trumpeter Palmer are an example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts, and the parts are pretty terrific. Both are adventurous but always coherent. Preminger tends to make occasional forays "out" but never gets lost there. Preminger also composed all nine tracks on this CD. To say that this CD holds your attention is an understatement. I find it impossible to not pay attention. The solos are consistently excellent and the frequent interplay between the two horns is absorbing. It would be hard to find two more compatible musicians and their collaboration has produced a real gem.I am a fan of this configuration and have a certain expectation as to how the rhythm section will function, mainly providing a steady pulse and subtle accents. Drummer Dan Weiss takes a different approach and it was disorienting to me the first time I listened to this CD and I am still not crazy about it. Weiss is much more aggressive and prone to episodic bashing than what I would prefer. It is as if he is trying to fill a space that doesn't need to be filled and it compromises the "open" feeling that I like so much about this configuration. I am not a drummer nor a competent musician of any kind so this is just a matter of personal taste and I might be failing to appreciate something a more sophisticated listener would find enjoyable.Despite this one disappointment I have no trouble rating this CD five stars. Preminger and Palmer's contributions are worth about seven stars, so there is plenty of slack to make up for my reservations about the drumming.

“Genuity” by Noah Preminger is certain to be among the best jazz recordings of 2018. Preminger is a gifted saxophonist who, in his early 30s, is one of the most active and creative artists of his generation. Presenting nearly 63 minutes of compelling, all-original music, this outstanding set amply rewards listeners who value jazz played with virtuosity, passion and imagination.Preminger said in an interview that his label, Criss Cross had challenged him to push the limits. In response, Preminger improvised at length and recorded his discoveries. He then selected the most interesting passages and presented them for recording in a dynamic group session.A chordless quartet is the right choice for giving flight to Preminder’s organic compositions. Having played on four of Preminger’s prior recordings, Jason Palmer on trumpet and Kim Cass on bass seem to be very much in sync with the various twists and turns of Preminger’s explorations. The acclaimed drummer, Dan Weiss proves to be more than up for the challenge, as well.The results are impressive. Preminger plays hungry but with the audience in mind, too. The music is free-flowing but is very accessible, with plenty of enticing rhythmic variations, tasty improvisations and nuanced group interplay. It’s simply a great session, from beginning to end - one that richly rewards listeners who crave music that is designed to set the mind, body and soul free.I highly recommend ‘Genuity’ to everyone.