Portamental

Mainstream bop-oriented stuff with some interesting, twisty songs and a nice upbeat feel. Quartet setting led by sax and trombone; the lack of chord instrument means the sound gets a bit sparser when the solos start. No biggie. Infectiously happy while still being kind of complex; there's good creative energy here and a good sense of swing. Very likeable stuff, recommended.

Group is out of Boston; trombonist Joel Yennior hails from the Either/Orchestra.

CD seems to be recorded at a low level, be prepared to crank it.

1- Engaging and swingy, mid/fast, nice bebop feel
2- Military march feel
3- Coolly '60s feel, mid/fast with some nice soloing space. Different from the other tracks, less bright ... it's worth hearing.
4- Mid/fast, w/ calm sparse space for solos incl drums
5- Mellow but still mid/fast, with some playful touches
6- Fast and swingy, nice
7- Fluttery mid/fast, after a slow intro
8- Loping bass into a pleasant mid/slow piece
9- Mid/fast, upbeat, gets a bit skronky
10- Fast but cool-tempered. w/seasick intro and quiet avant-garde middle.