Charles Downs Quartet - inner

There are stretches of pure improv fireworks on Inner, particularly later in the sequence, but the recording is nicely varied in approach. Saft can bring the thunder, but he counterbalances it with fleeting lyricism and dishes some reflective angularity. Likewise, Paz, who is certainly deft with the skronk but is just as inclined toward extended post-Rollins beauty moves, gradually turning up the heat and occasionally interjecting with flutters reminiscent of birdsong.

Even though it begins with a spotlight on Downs, Inner doesn’t unwind like a drummer-led session. While this is explicitly Downs’ album, the spirit of collectivity predominates, and the lack of hierarchy is appreciated.

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