Musicians: Todd Horton (trumpet, flugelhorn), Rob Reich (guitar), Tim Givens (bass), Aaron Comess (drums)
Review: Todd Horton is a versatile musician and trumpet player. He has gone on to record with a disparate group of artists from the Spin Doctors and Aaron Neville, to Buddy Miles and the African Blue Note. Horton has also been involved in the production of such singers as Deanna Kirk, Chris Barron and, recent Grammy star, Norah Jones. He has been a fixture in New York City where he has performed regularly with his trio and quartet.
Seasons is Horton’s current release. It is his second overall release for his very own, Soulsearch label. His music is a comfortable mix of jazz, rock, funk and a touch of that ethereal and typical sound that comes from such labels like ECM. All compositions were written by Horton. The opening track, “Tosca,” quietly introduces the album. Horton plays a muted horn over splashes of guitar chords. Drummer, Aaron Comess, formerly of the Spin Doctors, keeps a steady and light beat. Comess helps to pick things up when he and bassist, Tim Givens, introduce a funky backbeat in “Pre-Op.” Guitarist Rob Reich’s energized playing helps to keep things rocking. His guitar solo is imaginative and clever. The quiet and brooding “Quest” with the delicate horn work by Horton could easily fit into a film-noir soundtrack. The title track “Seasons” plays and feels like a fresh summer breeze.
Overall, Horton is a first when it comes to creating moods and grooves. The album seems to be evenly divided between the quietly evocative to the outright funky. It seems like a strange combination but anyone can find something to like in each track. Horton is a fine musician and with Seasons, he has put together a nice effort.
Tracks: Tosca, Seasons, Pre-Op, New Digs, Quest, X, Nosey, Zinpin, Toys, Vexed, Anne Marie
JazzReview.com
