JAE SINNETT — Jae Sinnett's Zero To 60 Quartet : Commitment (review)

JAE SINNETT — Jae Sinnett's Zero To 60 Quartet : Commitment album cover

Album · 2023 · Post Bop

4/5 · 2023-06-02
Carmel

It is a testament to an artist's vitality and creative skill when they can churn out their 19th record and still have it bristle with an electrifying freshness. Jae Sinnett, a veteran jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader who has spent decades enhancing his craft and teaching others to find their own musical voices, precisely achieves this with his album, “Commitment.” The record, an exhilarating mélange of Sinnett's compositions, and an intelligent reworking of standards explore jazz's multifaceted nature that showcases the immense versatility of the Zero to 60 Quartet members. The ensemble made up of all-star musicians, including Steve Wilson on alto and soprano saxophones, Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, Allen Farnham on piano, and Terry Burrell on acoustic and electric bass, complement Sinnett's powerful drumming perfectly, each one adding a distinctive color to the rich tapestry of sounds.

The album sets off to a thrilling start with Sinnett's "Takin' It There," a formidable nod to the hard bop genre, pulsating with the energy that sets the tone for what follows. An equally impressive exploration is evident in the reinterpretation of Frank Foster's composition, "Simone." Sinnett's innovative arrangement and his polyrhythmic drumming are complimented by Brecker's fluid horn ideas and Farnham's application of modern voicings, imparting a modern edge to this timeless classic. Sinnett displays a nuanced understanding of pacing and intensity, demonstrated in the selection of tracks such as "Muhammara's Dance" and "Wait For Me." Here, muscular modern jazz is showcased with a display of raw, undiluted talent, each musician contributing to the overall energy of the pieces while retaining their individualistic flair.

The quartet's efforts to straddle diverse genres continue beyond there. Clare Fischer's Latin-tinged "Morning" and Antonio Carlos Jobim's rhythmic finale, "Chega de Saudade (No More Blues)," are delightful surprises that underscore the ensemble's ability to effortlessly navigate between different styles with Sinnett's deep rhythmic understanding leading the way. What truly stands out in this album is the artistic symbiosis between the quartet members. There is a clear dialogue between the musicians as they seamlessly move between solos and ensemble playing. Sinnett, a masterful drummer, and visionary composer, directs the flow of the music, expertly underpinning the melodic explorations of his colleagues while occasionally stealing the spotlight with his riveting solos.

Jae Sinnett's Zero to 60 Quartet has succeeded in creating an album that exemplifies the idea of 'Commitment'—a commitment to the craft, exploration, synergy, and, most importantly, to the listener. With each track, the album tells a unique story, creating a listening experience that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The audaciousness of the performances and the sagacity in the compositions make “Commitment” a stellar addition to Sinnett's extensive discography and a testament to his ongoing relevance in the jazz world.