The inspirations for Jeremy Pelt’s recent projects range from Rodin sculptures in Paris to the west African Griot tradition. The American trumpeter is a key figure in co-operative band Black Art Jazz Collective and regularly composes for their pieces on African-American history.
In contrast, Soundtrack, unfolds like a spirited live gig. The programme balances trenchant solos and gritty grooves with moody soundscapes and a ballad. And there’s ample space for Pelt’s working band to stretch out and shine.
The set opens with “Picking up the Pieces” conjoining two themeless grooves. The first fades in with a confident stride of walking double bass, the second fades out with sultry, Fender Rhodes-infused R&B; Pelt, back on track, delivers fresh melodies and modernist panache on both.
“Soundtrack” comes next, an older composition written for an earlier band. Here, the mood is winsome, melody and band intertwine and solos are built on variations of the slowly unfolding theme. “Be the Light” follows, Latin-inflected and an enthralling balance of tension and release, and then a contrasting two-part work — “The Lighter Side”, through-composed, brief and flute-adorned; “The Darker Side”, malevolent, funky and graced by Pelt’s muted trumpet.
Pelt’s ease with old moves and new is seen throughout the band. Bassist Vicente Archer’s credits span 20 years and range from saxophonist Kenny Garrett to gigs with pianist/producer Robert Glasper. The band’s newer faces are as equally adept at crafting bustling modal jazz as they are the spacious beats of hip-hop and R&B.
Thus, the sombre trumpet melody of “Elegy” is supported by a resonant combination of Chien Chien Lu’s vibraphone and Victor Gould’s piano. But it is Lu’s soulful vibraphone that lights up the funky, Moog-enhanced “I’m Still Standing” and Gould on Fender Rhodes who underscores the rocking “Shifting Images”, the album’s penultimate track.
The set ends with the anthemic trumpet of “You and Me”, classic hip-hop beats from bass and drums and Gould building up steam on Fender Rhodes.
★★★☆☆
‘Soundtrack’ is released by HighNote
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