Ralph Peterson Jr and The Fo'tet - Back to Stay (1999/2019)

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.