Reflect

Amazon.com
As a member of the Jazz Passengers , cofounder and trombonist Curtis Fowlkes learned a thing or two from that criminally ignored and undervalued unit. For his debut as a leader, Fowlkes composed exuberantly mellow songs in a variety of styles, assembled a crack sextet to play them, then combined it all in an uncannily coherent blowing session. Recalling such classic '60s albums as Speak No Evil, Nefertiti, and The Sidewinder, Reflect is a swinging study in high-octane soloing (by a mostly unknown cast) over meaty melodic nuggets. The album is etched from postbop logic, with a cover of Grachan Moncur III's "The Coaster" and the standard "When I Fall in Love." Fowlkes, trumpeter Russ Johnson, alto saxophonist Sam Furnace, and keyboardist Ted Kruz wail concise commentary through these lighthearted romps as drummer J.T. Lewis upends swing cliche, skipping conversational, funky cross-rhythms that make the music twist, lope, and spin. Fowlkes, a veteran of the Knitting Factory scene, skates a deliciously thin musical line. No longer part of any camp, Fowlkes makes music that is never self consciously out nor reverentially inside. Reflect is simply, sublimely soulful and holds up under repeated plays, the mark of any great album. --Ken Micallef

From Jazziz
The Jazz Passengers rank among the most underappreciated bands of the past couple of decades. Despite being a top-notch trombonist for years, Passenger co-leader Curtis Fowlkes makes his first appearance as a leader here. The style employed on this record differs from the Passengers' overtly eclectic approach. Fowlkes' group comes from a post-bop bag with a touch of fusion influence, mostly courtesy of electric keyboards and rock-influenced guitar. Fowlkes, trumpeter Russ Johnson, and alto saxman Sam Furnace constitute the front line. They're backed by guitarist Ted Cruz, Duncan Clearly, bassist Carlos Henderson, and drummer J.T. Lewis. Vocalist Sheila Prevost appears on "Reflect," which she co-wrote with Fowlkes. Most of the tunes were written by Fowlkes, who apparently enjoys building compositions around odd time signatures. Fowlkes developed his own style years ago. His solos have unusual contours; he seems to think from interval to interval and uses wide leaps, although he also employs short bursts of notes. Frequently, he plays in a brash, J.C. Higgenbotham-like manner. Actually, his major influences include J.J. Johnson, Grachan Moncur, and Freddie Hubbard. However, he also contributes pensive, warm-toned work on his ballad "Ashe." Throughout, he brings all registers of his horn into play, while generally playing economically. Johnson's work is rooted in the Hubbard school. He has a fine range, good chops, a big, pretty tone, and is never at a loss for ideas. He demonstrates lyricism on "Ashe" and Fowlkes' attractive waltz, "Sacred Monsters." Furnace, a fluent, impassioned player, blends the influences of Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, and Eric Dolphy. Lewis and Furnace do a stellar job with their loose, driving rhythm-section work, and Prevost recites her vivid lyrics on "Reflect" with conviction.

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