Facing West is the eponymous debut album by a chordless quartet of experienced musicians and university jazz educators. Modern yet rooted in the bebop tradition, the group doesn’t strive for uniqueness. What they hope to create instead is good-quality jazz which explores the powers of improvisation and meaningful collaboration.
The formation of the quartet was perhaps a thing of chance. Back in 2020, saxophonist Stone was recording a podcast titled Tenor Talk, all about the tenor saxophone. Remembering his old friend and saxophonist Norton, he reached out, and the two rekindled. Mutual connections were discussed, and before long Claxton and Khan were brought into the mix.
All the musicians knew of each other, but they had never played as a four. Nevertheless, they booked the recording session before even having a rehearsal; a fixed deadline spurred them to dive right in and create. Create they definitely did, with each band member contributing two original tracks which showcase their skills.
For example, Claxton’s music focuses on the drive of the rhythm section and intense grooves; Stone creates memorable melodies; Norton focuses on the alternation of metres, which is refreshing and shows a contemporary flair.
The material is more or less tonal (without any block chord!), swinging and coherent in the post-bop manner and there’s no question of the skill and inventiveness of the players as ensemble members and soloists. It echoes many of the distinguished chordless ensembles of the past while adding individual flourish.
Discography
In Your Step; Unintended Consequences; I Don’t Think So; Silly Me; Hangin’ In; Tim The Enchanter; 26th Street Waltz; Just Let It Make Sense (75.00)
Donnie Norton, Doug Stone (ts); Braun Khan (b); Brian Claxton (d). New York City, 2022.
Outside in Music, OiM 2220
