Although the instrumentation of baritonist
Chad Makela's pianoless quartet may lead one to think of
Gerry Mulligan, the music performed by these modern musicians is closer to that of
Ornette Coleman. The "free bop" music sometimes uses chord changes, but the improvisations are never tied strictly to bebop or a predictable running of changes. The interplay between the four players is consistently impressive.
Makela shows that he is one of the underrated greats of his instrument, trumpeter Brad Turner reminds one that he should never be overlooked, and bassist Paul Rushka and drummer
Jesse Cahill constantly inspire the lead voices. Performing four
Makela songs, one original by Turner,
Joe Lovano's "Uprising," and the standard "My Ideal,"
the Chad Makela Quartet plays state-of-the-art modern jazz with fire, creativity, and spirit. ~ Scott Yanow