Billy Hart Quartet’s fourth album
The group has been playing together for more than 20 years. Collectively, drummer Hart, pianist Ethan Iverson, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Ben Street share a diverse musical lineage that they draw upon to explore new modes of contemporary jazz and improvised music. Their latest recording is a solid post-bop album that
Hart and his quartet have honed over time, capsulates the deep connection and their signature blend of straight ahead jazz and expansive improvisation. Hart, Iverson and Turner all contribute
compositions to the record, each bringing new dimensions to nostalgic grooves and modal harmonies. Hart revisits two of his most well known tunes, “Layla Joy” and “Naaj.” The quartet’s renditions start in bebop territory, yet quickly open up into extended improvisation. Similarly, Turner’s compositions the group into free-jazz territory, exploring cinematic motifs and astral, Sun Ra lines. In the intergalactic “Bo Brussels,” Hart’s drums paint expressionistic strokes behind Iverson’s dark, brooding piano. Iverson’s contributions range from uptempo bebop to romantic, blues-tinged ballads. On “Aviation,” his notes are nimble yet frenetic beneath Hart’s swirling rhythms and Turner’s blustery reeds. In contrast, “Showdown” is a tender serenade featuring Iverson’s delicate piano melody in a call-and-response with
Turner’s soft, lilting saxophone. Reminiscent of Herbie Hancock’s prolific Blue Note era, “South Hampton” is a bebop jam that sees Iverson laying out a blues melody buoyed by Hart’s subtle percussive groove and Street’s understated bass. With its supremely accessible tracks and
tight improvisation, Just is a compelling addition to the Billy Hart Quartet’s discography. With its thoughtful compositions and dynamic interplay, the album captures the group’s inimitable chemistry, built over decades of collaboration, and demonstrates their mastery of blending tradition with modern improvisational approaches.
