Jazz history ain’t exactly overflowing with harpists. But those that have taken up the big stringed instrument distinguished themselves into the history books: Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby, and, now, Brandee Younger. Though previously branded as the custodian of her late predecessors’ legacy (much as she became the steward of Coltrane’s harp), the New Yorker developed her own voice on her ax, both as a player and a composer.
That voice sings loud and clear on Gadabout Season. For her eighth record, Younger swings, plays the blues, and takes full advantage of the harp’s distinctive sound – dreamy, romantic, mysterious, even cosmic. Backed as usual by bassist/producer Rashaan Carter and drummer Allan Mednard, Younger opens the arrangements up to include a handful of high profile guests. Pianist Courtney Bryan comps deftly behind Younger’s expansive range on “BBL” and “Surrender,” adding a dreamy solo to the latter. Shabaka Hutchings layers his flute into “End Means,” joining the boss in painting a picture of a forest at dawn. Singer NIIA coos swirlingly throughout the ethereal R&B of “Unswept Corners.” Rising sax slayer Josh Johnson puts his lessons as part of Jeff Parker’s band to good use on “Discernment,” enhancing Younger’s otherworldly atmospherics stroke for stroke. Drum phenom Makaya McCraven and vibes master Joel Ross add their funk-inflected beats to the title track, an unabashed ode to joy.
While the leader remains front and center at all times, she and her rhythm section eschew their pals for the melodic, propulsive “Reflection Eternal” and “Breaking Point,” two of the strongest tracks. It’s a testament to Younger’s clear, rock-solid vision for Gadabout Season that she’s able to guide these musicians toward the common goal of bringing her tunes to vivid, vibrant life.
