Justin Vasquez | Triptych

Another chapter of jazz music coming from a young lion hungry to share his art & taste for jazz is upcoming sax leader Justin Vasquez. With precision & skill, he launches a project for the year in “Triptych” – an 8 track set of well composed traditional jazz tracks suitable for the ear. His approach is much similar to the workings of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins and a little bit of Kenny Garrett. A discerning ear will also accept his adventurous outputs through both the alto & soprano sounds. At the age of 26, its hard to believe that Justin has already achieved such a high mark of excellence in “Triptych”, as to where the music escapes through a various amount of harmonies & tonalities, as well as practice the very reason ‘improvisation’ stands entrenched in modern jazz music.

Along for the ride comes an ensemble of musicians that formed a nucleus around Justin’s music. I’m speaking about his band. The journey into full jazz spectrum takes flight when lead song “Triptych” breaks through, “Nimbus” free flows with an exceptional sax solo & a gentle swing….The enormous talent of Aaron Parks (piano) opens up “Invitation” – a dense, outer regional musical escape that draws emotion & imagination. “Fields”, one of my favs supplies the rhythm & melody, as to where I hear that comparison to Kenny Garrett’s work. Gregoire Maret sails the composition with an intriguing harmonica scat, and Aaron Parks dances around the harmony effortlessly.

The evolving sax gift that underlies Justin’s appeal for the album comes to full circle with “Red Green Blue” &  “Stella By Starlight”. And as stated, his band’s lending support drapes the song(s) with 1st class profession. Idealistically speaking, it felt as if these young players all together wanted to prove something other than Mr. Vasquez.

Interesting concepts abound throughout Triptych. A breakout album for the young saxophonist on the rise. Taking chances with the genre & imposing his own brand of bop related music & an ark or spin, if you will, from the influences in his musical background easily makes this project the cream of the crop. I feel Justin has more galaxies to reach, as this is just the tip of the iceberg for him.

“Triptych” receives 4+ stars out of a possible 5. the other note: The album grows on me. That’s a good thing, as to where other albums fails to keep the interest.