Beauty & Mystery

A somber, modern/Romanticist solo piano "Prologue" beautifully opens jazz scholar, historian, and accomplished pianist Lewis Porter's Beauty & Mystery, his fourth disc as a session leader. Accompanied throughout this often inspired recording by bassist John Pattitucci, sought after Grammy-winner and frequent trio companion drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and high-flying, rep-rising saxophonist Tia Fuller, Porter unleashes his vast knowledge of John Coltrane, and the multitude of jazz avenues on a frothy mix of original covers and time tested covers. Led by repeated rhythmic motifs, Fuller gives a full blown Trane-like workout on soprano sax on the burbling bitonality of "Birthplace." "People Get Ready" unwinds effortlessly as Porter and Pattitucci immerse themselves in Curtis Mayfield's elegant, secular hymn, taking turns reciting the verses and chorus. Fuller's fiery, the-sky-is-the-limit alto swirls and powers the rolling vamp "Blues for Trane and McCoy" and rewards the listener with a challenging extended duo passage with Porter that recalls many Trane/Tyner glories. While we're on the subject of the Classic Quartet, Pattitucci's artistry is on full, glorious display on the robust Porter/Pattitucci composition "From Giovanni to Jimmy," a fitting dedication to Coltrane bassist Jimmy Garrison. Free-wheeling interplay highlights "Chasing Lines" a re-arrangement of British bandleader/composer Ray Noble's "Cherokee." Porter again delves deep into his musical knowledge incorporating raga and jazz on "Dazzling Raga." Porter's lyrical waltz, "Day is Done" closes out Beauty & Mystery, a disc of highly expressed individualism. - MIKE JURKOVIC, allaboutjazzcom