Joshua Redman - Elastic (2002) CDRip

Following up their fine 2002 album as the cooperative Yaya3 trio, tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman, organist Sam Yahel, and drummer Brian Blade reconvene as Joshua Redman's Elastic Band for more soulful grooves and edgy interactions. With Yahel also playing electric piano and synthesizer, the music is more textured and, at times, more fusion-like. As agreeable as the trio's chemistry is--the group has performed on a regular basis at Smalls in New York--you again wish that Redman would be a little less elastic and a little more hard-knuckled. When he takes charge, as on the thrusting "Still Pushin' That Rock," the album comes to life in a way it doesn't when the trio is practicing democracy. Still, this is smart stuff, uncompromising in its own way with structure and harmony, and further evidence of Redman's dedication to avoiding formula.