Sculptures finds Canadian-born saxophonist and composer
Andrew Rathbun in the company of
Kenny Wheeler, the renowned trumpeter (and fellow Canadian). No newcomer to ambitious, program-oriented work (see his previous discs),
Rathbun continues to exhibit bold, imaginative musicianship on his third release. Pianist
Frank Carlberg, bassist
John Hebert, and drummer
Jeff Hirshfield join the two horns on this lofty recording, which plays out like an extended suite. Distributed among the 21 tracks -- all
Rathbun originals -- are eight full-length compositions, six short sketches, four duos, and four "sculptures" (two of which involve lush overdubbed horns). Flowing straight-eighth tempos, lilting syncopation, soaring harmonies, and sinuous wide-interval melodies give several pieces a decidedly
Wheeler-esque flavor. Add to that
Wheeler's highly distinctive trumpet/flügelhorn sound and one could mistake this for a
Wheeler-led session. But that doesn't diminish
Rathbun's achievement. He utilizes the fine players in his group to create a majestic yet subtle panorama of sounds and moods, some of which are entirely spontaneous. He also plays with tremendous flair and facility on both tenor and soprano. With
Wheeler on hand,
Rathbun premiered this material for standing-room crowds at Cornelia Street Café in downtown Manhattan, only a few short weeks after September 11, 2001. ~ David R. Adler