Gene Ess - Sandbox and Sanctum - Song Cycle for Quartet (2005)

Tracklist

01. Free 2 Fast
02. Ryo
03. Baptisma Pyros
04. Ballad for a Swordsman
05. Ask the Guru
06. Noh Country
07. Sun Matsuri
08. Kerama Processional

Guitarist Gene Ess' Sandbox and Sanctum features eight of his complex originals performed by a top-notch quartet. There are unfortunately no liner notes to fully describe the intent behind the music, but the eight selections all have something to do with childhood and growing up. The music is never simplistic or that child-like, and instead it is post-bop jazz influenced but not derivative of John Coltrane. Ess, who recalls John Abercrombie in spots, is a fine player although Donny McCaslin on tenor and soprano often takes solo honors. With bassist Harvie S contributing stimulating support and drummer Gene Jackson often reacting to Ess' ideas, this is a consistently stirring outing. Chances are that none of Gene Ess' originals will catch on as standards, but they work well in this context.