Robert Jospé, Just Lookin’ Review
Robert Jospé is certainly not an unknown quantity in jazz. His career offers a diversified cast of projects that are rich in jazz styles and diversely unique to each other. Jospé has played and recorded Tim Reynolds and TR3, John D’earth Quartet, the late pianist Hod O’Brien and Cyrus Chestnut, guitarist Stanley Jordan, vocalist Bobby McFerrin and folk-rocker, John McCutcheon. Jospé’s latest effort Just Lookin’ features the Robert Jospé Express, with the addition of John D’earth on trumpet on two tracks “Just Lookin’” and “Round Seven.” The Express is: Robert Jospe, drums all tracks (drums and congas on Expressway); Butch Taylor, keys on all tracks; Dane Alderson, bass on all tracks and Brian Mesko, guitars on “Snowed In.”
Positives:
The group is like a well-oiled machine of mastery. Each player adds to the overall sum of heightened musicality. Just Lookin’ is more than top-shelf players showcasing their individual prowess, it’s a cohesion of rhythms, complex harmonies and soaring performances.
Bottom Line:
“Beauf,” kicks of the album, Jospé strength of rhythm is immediately in play, the effective band hits in the track add to the flavoring and impact of the tune. Taylor kinetic symbiosis with Jospé allow the tune to propel with muscularity. “Just Lookin’” features guest John D’Earth. The breakneck speed and precision of each artist is of note. Once again, Jospé invokes inventive hits to add to the complexity of the rhythm within the tune. His precision is matchless. Also, of not is Alderson’s fluidity, driving and pulsating the rhythm in a forward motion. A relaxing “The One Step,” is an effective way to end the program. Its relaxed sonic, allows the listener to decompress and reflect on the overall journey though Just Lookin’. Once again Jospé delights with his latest offering. Each track stands on its own merit and the playing is brilliant throughout. Its hard to choose a favorite, so I will leave that to you. That’s the short of it!