This is the first solo release for trumpeter/flügelhornist
Matt Hilgenberg.
Hilgenberg sets the mood for
Rasa with a tone that is lyrical and reflective and at times borders on brooding and mysterious. In the liner notes,
Hilgenberg explains that
Rasa means "clear" or a source of inspiration, which certainly describes the outstanding rhythm section featuring pianist
Frank Kimbrough (a founding member of the Jazz Composers Collective), bassist
Mike Richmond, and drummer
Adam Nussbaum. These musicians are in constant sync with each other throughout. Unfortunately, tenor saxophonist Jared Hunter only appears on three cuts, which doesn't allow him as much solo space as he deserves. Of the eight compositions on
Rasa, six are
Hilgenberg originals. The remaining pieces are Kimbrough's swirling and Monk-ish "The Spins" and the standard "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise." Released on the Double-Time label. ~ Al Campbell