Face Forward, Jeremy

On *Face Forward, Jeremy*, the follow-up to 2013’s *Water and Earth*, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt continues to update \'70s fusion. The short opener, “Higby Part 1,” brings to mind Miles Davis’ *Bitches Brew*, but Pelt’s echoing horn, Chris Smith’s acoustic bass, and David Bryant’s piano create their own space and vibe. “Stars Are Free,” written by bassist Gavin Fallow, starts with programmed beats before Dana Hawkins’ drumming and Smith’s electric bass step in to steer the band. It’s a moody piece with pleasingly melodic trumpet. “Rastros” finds vocalist Fabiana Masili intoning in Portuguese as she’s accompanied by a spare arrangement for piano, cello, and harp. Roxy Coss contributes a succinct soprano sax solo, and Pelt follows with a muted trumpet statement. Pelt spins out a compelling solo on “In My Grandfather’s Words,” where Bryant shines on Fender Rhodes. “The Secret Code” features Hawkins’ unusual stickwork, which energetically inflects the track’s dark atmosphere. “Verse” closes the album on a strong, quiet note. Guest singer Milton Suggs appears more than halfway into the track, and his voice rivets.

Beginning with 2005's Identity, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt began exploring '70s and '80s funk and fusion sounds inspired by the works of such luminaries as Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis.