Starlicker is a trio composed of cornet player
Rob Mazurek (
Chicago Underground Duo/
Trio/Quartet and
Exploding Star Orchestra, among others), vibraphonist
Jason Adasiewicz (also of
Exploding Star Orchestra), and drummer
John Herndon (
Tortoise). The music these three men produce is jazz with a powerful rhythmic drive; Herdon's drumming throughout the disc is pummeling and constant, setting up a sturdy floor upon which
Adasiewicz dances as
Mazurek floats in the air. His melody lines are fluid and his tone is full; he avoids the swirling abstractions of his work alongside the late
Bill Dixon in favor of almost-hard bop blowing. Some of this music recalls the mid-'60s work of vibist
Bobby Hutcherson, on Blue Note albums like
Stick-Up! and
Dialogue. None of it is particularly avant-garde, if one takes that term to mean "dry and alienating." Much of it swings, in a rocking sort of way, and it has moments of serene, atmospheric beauty ("Triple Hex"). Highly recommended to fans of smart jazz that remembers to entertain. ~ Phil Freeman