Album Review: Sean Jones' 'The Search Within'

One thing all of the tracks on trumpeter Sean Jones’ The Search Within (Mack Avenue) share is density in sound and mood. The fullness that the core band achieves is sometimes complemented with auxiliary percussion, flute, or harmonica, and the mix seems to treat everyone equally. In addition, each song is bulging with sentiment. Over this rich and layered base, Jones liberally drizzles honeyed lines, creating a sustained sense of saturation that is both pleasurable and a little too sumptuous.

Joining Jones are a widely talented The Search Within group consisting of drummer Obed Calvaire, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Orrin Evans, alto saxophonist Brian Hogans, and tenor saxophonist Walter Smith. Each soloist does a great job either supporting or tempering the level of effusiveness throughout the CD. Hogans toys with the pulse and harmony, adding an unpredictable, mischievous character to the music. Smith’s solos are keenly understated and sincere. Both saxophonists provide hints of flavor that contribute to the palatability of the album.

Aside from the core band, Erica von Kleist presents inventive and beautiful flute playing, harmonica-player Gregoire Maret brings his sizzling timbre to the fold, and vocalist Carolyn Perteete’s warm, colorful voice on the track “Letter of Resignation” is a highlight of the album. Percussionist Khalil Bell’s congas and wind chimes are great for creating mysterious and contemplative moods, but tend to contribute mostly to the density of the album’s sound.

The Search Within touches on the sounds of smooth jazz, gospel, and Bobby Watson-like compositions for a recording that is meant to examine the inherent cycles and shifts that life brings. While at first listen, the music may sound a little over-saturated, for most people, an inward search for meaning and beauty would likely reveal elements marked by richness and sweetness. In that sense, The Search Within captures a widely-shared aspect of the human experience.

Release Date:

March 24th, 2009 on Mack Avenue Records

Personnel:

• Sean Jones – Trumpet
• Brian Hogans – Alto Saxophone
• Walter Smith – Tenor Saxophone
• Orrin Evans – Piano
• Luques Curtis – Bass
• Obed Calvaire – Drums
• Erica von Kleist – Flute
• Carolyn Perteete – Voice
• Gregoire Maret – Harmonica
• Khalil Bell – Percussion

Track List:

1. The Search Within (interlude)
2. Transitions
3. The Ambitious Violet
4. Life Cycles
5. The Storm
6. Letter of Resignation
7. The Search Within (for less)
8. Summer’s Spring
9. Sunday Reflections
10. Sean’s Jones Comes Down
11. Love’s Lullabye
12. The Search Within (postlude)