After gaining much experience with a variety of adventurous and radical groups including one referred to as a "terrorist bebop band" (
Mostly Other People Do the Killing), altoist
Jon Irabagon formed a quintet that he calls Outright. The music that he created with trumpeter
Russ Johnson, pianist-organist
Kris Davis, bassist Eivind Opsvik, and drummer Jeff Davis for the band's debut recording is certainly avant-garde and full of pretty free improvisations, but it also contains quirky melodies, rhythms, lots of group interplay, and an often-wacky wit. The musicians are all technically skilled, brilliant improvisers, and well versed in earlier styles even as they sometimes tear them apart. The group uses repetition to excess on "Quorum Call" but all is forgiven when one hears one of the craziest versions of "Groovin' High" ever recorded. While sticking to the melody and the chords (more or less) of "Groovin' High," the tempo keeps on changing and the overall effect is quite humorous. "That Was Then" begins as a tasteful ballad feature for bassist Opsvik before gradually evolving into a rockish freak-out that includes guitarist
Jesse Lewis and, at its conclusion, the Outright Mixed Choir. "The Outright! Theme" starts off as a happy '30s melody played by a slightly demented swing band (the Original Outright! Jass Band in its only appearance) before it suddenly becomes a screaming and very dense free improvisation featuring 18 horns, five guitars, piano, organ, five bassists, and drums; the joyful theme reemerges at the piece's end. The other selections are more conventional in comparison but never become predictable or somber. This would certainly be a great band to see live and this CD hints strongly at Outright's remarkable potential and jubilant spirit. ~ Scott Yanow