Jackson Heights Life

http://www.downbeat.com/default.asp?sect=reviews

BY FRANK ALKYER
Antonio Sanchez,
New Life (CAM Jazz)
There’s something compelling and unique about Antonio Sanchez’s work. His compositions provide just the right combination of power and grace, risky improvisation and serious composition. On his third album as a leader, New Life, he delivers eight terrific originals that beg to be listened to over and over again. The leadoff track, “Uprisings And Revolutions,” sounds like it was inspired by the music of John Coltrane, but is able to stand on its own two, very original, feet. Sanchez is a powerhouse on drums, a whirl of rhythm that would make Elvin Jones himself proud. Sanchez has assembled a group of players who work amazingly well as an ensemble, yet push each other to the cutting-contest brink when it’s time to solo. Dave Binney and Donny McCaslin swoop, wail and moan through the opening cut on alto and tenor, respectively. Pianist John Escreet demonstrates his great taste and chops on “Family Ties” and the title track. His Fender Rhodes playing just rocks it, too. Matt Brewer glides through this set, consistently delivering solid bass for his bandmates to soar over. New Life is that rare combination of great composing, great players and great musicianship. This album will be in my personal heavy rotation for a long, long time.