Jane Ira Bloom has been a highly respected figure in the field of jazz for a considerable time, having the distinction of being a specialist on the soprano saxophone, a rare-ish situation she has in common with the late Steve Lacy and few others, although she arrived at the straight horn via piano, drums and alto saxophone.
The empathy between her and drummer and percussionist Allison Miller is immediately apparent on Tues Days for from the opening track the backwash laid down for the saxophonist is totally appropriate on a session conveying control and good deal of lyricism.
Bloom is essentially a melodic player, never laying siege to the extremities of her instrument; phrases and progressions are never rushed or seemingly inappropriate; there’s a pleasing thoughtfulness about the music’s natural flow. Yes, Miller does shift tempos often during the 11 tunes, seven of which were constructed jointly. She’s never content to allow any one rhythmic figure to dominate but this never leads to anything approaching musical anarchy.
A quick glance at the instrumentation might lead a number of potential listeners towards the belief that this could be one of those fiery, out-of-control sessions but this is far from the truth. It is enjoyable, highly listenable music-making from the always challenging Bloom and kit-playing partner.
Discography
Tues Days; Technicolor; Rowing In The Dark; This Is It; Five Bells; The Wild Frontier; Light Years Away; A & J’s Test Kitchen; Crayola; On Seeing JP; Walk Alone (56.49)
Bloom (ss); Miller (d, pc). NYC, 2-25 March & 6 April 2021.
Outline Music & Supaphine
