Out Here

's second studio album in 2013, , finds the adept bassist leading his trio through a jaunty, exuberant set of straight-ahead acoustic jazz. The album follows on the heels of his equally as appealing quintet album, . However, where that album found delving into the knotty post-bop sound of artists like '60s , is more of a classic standards album in the vein of works by and . Joining here is his working trio of pianist and drummer , who was also featured on . Both are superb, technically adroit musicians who complement 's warm, generous bass playing at every turn on . What's great about leading his own trio is that because he is fundamentally such a monster of a bassist, he can and does take the lead on any given song just as well, if not better, than many of his non-rhythm section instrument-playing brethren. That said, he certainly lets his bandmates shine in the spotlight throughout much of the album. In fact, as on the trio's take on "My Favorite Things," both take turns interpreting the melody. Elsewhere, they delve into bluesy, gospel-influenced numbers with "Ham Hocks and Cabbage" and "Hallelujah Time," and jump headlong into a swinging rendition of "Cherokee." There are also some gorgeous ballads featured on the album, with 's Latin-tinged "I Guess I'll Have to Forget" standing out among them. even summons the spirit of his more funk and soul-influenced albums with the trio's giddy album-closing take on the R&B classic "Who's Making Love." ~ Matt Collar