This early quintet outing is a strong showcase for
Mark Turner the composer. It's also an important chapter in the special relationship between
Turner and guitarist
Kurt Rosenwinkel. The two would later work mainly in piano-less settings, but here they are joined by pianist
Brad Mehldau, who adds his advanced harmonic insight to the session. One could rightly bill the record as "
Turner and
Rosenwinkel with the
Brad Mehldau Trio," as the rhythm section consists of bassist
Larry Grenadier and drummer
Jorge Rossy,
Mehldau's longtime collaborators. The disc boasts five strong
Turner originals, including "Zurich," which would resurface on 2001's
Dharma Days. (This version features guest tenorists
Seamus Blake and Terrence Dean.)
Rosenwinkel weighs in with "Cubism," a similar version of which he included on 2000s
The Enemies of Energy. The two remaining non-
Turner pieces are
Mehldau's hard-swinging "Subtle Tragedy" and a bright five/four rendition of
John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice."
Yam Yam reveals much about the evolution of all these players, and is therefore well worth the attention of serious fans. ~ David R. Adler