Drummer Ralph Peterson Jr.'s ninth recording as a leader, his first for Sirocco Jazz, and his fifth featuring his Fo'tet, is a energy filled session with former
OTB bandmate
Ralph Bowen replacing
Steve Wilson on soprano sax, plus group regulars vibraphonist
Bryan Carrott and bassist Beldon Bullock performing seven originals by the group members and three jazz classics.
Peterson's aggressive drumming, consisting of his driving cymbal beat, well-placed snare and tom accents, and powerful cymbal crashes, is always a joy to hear and he sounds better than ever.
Back to Stay is also
Peterson's Fo'tet debut on trumpet, once his primary instrument, playing a surprisingly good solo on a beautiful version of
Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." Tenor saxophonist
Michael Brecker guests on "Soul Eyes" and contributes a passionate solo on the burning title track, based on a 7/4 bass vamp. Other favorites include Bullock's "From Within," a medium tempo number that alternates between 7/4 and 4/4 swing;
John Coltrane's "Miles Mode, complete with drum breaks; the Afro-Caribbean flavored "Surrender"; and
Carrott's complex "Hidden Treasures, where
Peterson also plays on djembe and cowbell.
Back to Stay is a welcome return to recording for
Peterson and one of 1999's best releases.