This early quintet outing is a strong showcase for
Mark Turner
the composer. It's also an important chapter in the special relationship between
Turner
and guitarist
Kurt Rosenwinkel
. The two would later work mainly in piano-less settings, but here they are joined by pianist
Brad Mehldau
, who adds his advanced harmonic insight to the session. One could rightly bill the record as "
and
Rosenwinkel
with the
Trio," as the rhythm section consists of bassist
Larry Grenadier
and drummer
Jorge Rossy
,
Mehldau
's longtime collaborators. The disc boasts five strong
originals, including
"Zurich,"
which would resurface on 2001's
Dharma Days
. (This version features guest tenorists
Seamus Blake
Terrence Dean
.)
weighs in with
"Cubism,"
a similar version of which he included on 2000s
The Enemies of Energy
. The two remaining non-
pieces are
's hard-swinging
"Subtle Tragedy"
and a bright five/four rendition of
John Coltrane
's
"Moment's Notice."
Yam Yam
reveals much about the evolution of all these players, and is therefore well worth the attention of serious fans. ~ David R. Adler