NYSQ Heaven Steps To Seven

NYSQ
Heaven Steps To Seven
Whirlwind Recordings

About "Sleight of Hand," the last album from NYSQ, I concluded "The strong ensemble playing, in addition to the many fine solos, and the imaginative reworking of the material make for a superb straight-ahead recording." Now comes an equally engaging recording by saxophonist Tim Armacost, pianist David Berkman, drummer Gene Jackson, and double bassist Ugonna Okegwo.

The freshness they bring to the classic jazz and standards repertoire is evident on the opening reworking of Leonard Bernstein's "Tonight," that opens with a warm introduction before the ballad is transformed to a medium tempo vehicle for their exploration. It is followed by the transformation of Charlie Parker's blues, "Cheryl," which sounds like a 1960's Blue Note recording with Berkman and Okegwo outstanding. A rendition of Horace Silver's ballad, "Peace," is a showcase for Armacost's sensitive and thoughtful tenor sax. It is followed by a lively "If I Should Lose You," that puts the spotlight on Armacost's splendid soprano sax along with the imaginative accompaniment. They then provide a couple of wonderful interpretations of Cole Porter: an imaginative one of "Every Time We Say Goodbye," and a splendid "I Love You," opening with Okegwo's bass intro. Then there is an exquisite performance of Bud Powell's "I'll Keep Loving You," featuring Armacost's warm, melodic ballad playing and Berkman's deft piano.

A vigorous performance of Herbie Hancock's "Eye of the Hurricane" places the spotlight on Berkman's dynamic piano while Jackson is explosive in driving this concluding performance of another terrific straight-ahead modern jazz recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the November-December 2018 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 382), although I have made minor changes. Here is a promotional video for this recording.