In Memory of Things yet Seen (feat. Chad Taylor, Darius Jones & Bill McHenry)

Bassist Eric Revis became known to many jazz fans when he played with great singer Betty Carter; he’s also been a member of Branford Marsalis’ band since the late \'90s. On this album, he leads a quartet that includes drummer Chad Taylor, tenor saxophonist Bill McHenry, and alto saxophonist Darius Jones. The music is more out than in—the group perform Sunny Murray’s “Somethin’s Cookin’” and a smoking version of Sun Ra’s “The Shadow World.” *In Memory of Things Yet Seen* is punctuated by the three-part “The Tulpa Chronicles.” “Part I…Proem” opens the album; it\'s a slow, stately piece marked by Taylor’s vibraphone. “Part II…Ephemeral Canvas” features jabbing horns, and “Part III…for Cordel ‘Boogie’ Mosson” is grounded by Revis’ striking arco work. “Unknown” shines: the cut swings hard and has three excellent sax solos, including one by Marsalis, who appears on two tracks. “A Lesson Earned” has a fearsome bassline and every-which-way drums that supply a great groove for McHenry and Jones, who engage in riffing up top. *In Memory of Things Yet Seen* is a 2014 standout.