Trumpeter Nathan Eklund's quintet set is high-quality post-bop. With the exception of
Björk's "Isobel," "All The Things You Are" and a version of
Lee Morgan's "Totem Pole" that hints at both tangos and classic hard bop, the program consists of Eklund's originals. The musicianship of the young players is impeccable, the music is reasonably original without being particularly catchy, and the playing overall is top-notch.
Crooked Line represents the modern mainstream of jazz of the early 21st century, music that looks forward while hanging on to tradition. It is a solid first step for each of the musicians involved. ~ Scott Yanow