HUSKY - SKERIK’S SYNCOPATED TAINT SEPTET
Skerik’s new album opens with what sounds like an ominous fleet of bombers approaching overhead, superimposed by a horn-layered lament. But then the tenor-saxophone leader and his hip, tight septet bloom into a lyrical, Hammond B-3-led rhythm with electronic effects and sauntering horn lines. Add to that such contrary descriptors as tradition-infused/ nonconforming, swinging/shredding, soulful/skanky, sprightly/ urgent, and you’ve got one of this year’s best jazz CDs, shining from start to finish. Skerik and crew pull off the improbable — combining curiosity and freedom from constraints to record a delightfully unpredictable journey of tunes both harsh and beautiful. Highlights include “Go to Hell, Mr. Bush,” where the president gets bashed by flute/Wurlitzer impressionism and horn exclamations, and the gleeful, happy-feet “Summer Pudding.” Billboard
