Jason Robinson: Ancestral Numbers II

Ancestral Numbers II is saxophonist, flautist and composer Jason Robinson's second album of music reflecting on his ancestry, following the May 2024 release of Ancestral Numbers I.

The album launches with "Sweet Tooth," a simple but compelling composition that starts with a vamp. Opening melodic statements—with saxophone and trombone playing together over infectious piano and bass hits propelled by the energetic drums—then move into a hard swinging walking bass section. Pianist Joshua White takes the first solo, followed by Jason Robinson on saxophone, with trombonist Michael Dessen interjecting as the solo builds for a more conversational improvisation, ramping up the energy. The drumming of Ches Smith delivers on this track, as they do the whole album, soloing over the opening vamp before the melodic themes are revisited. The album is off to a good start!

"The Return" starts with an open drum intro that explores varied textures, including tuned percussion. This piece takes the listener through diverse harmonic and rhythmic shifts, with plenty of room for trombone and saxophone to express themselves freely when the piano departs from the written-out themes. "Ruby" is a lilting jazz waltz and composition written for Robinson's grandmother. It features the leader's well-crafted solo. "Enos" has an exploratory feel. There is lots of group interplay, and White's piano solo is chromatic and effective.

"Deployment" is next, and the title refers to Robinson's great grandfather's service in World War II. Like "The Return," this piece takes you through rhythmic hits and motifs. This track starts as an up-tempo swing piece before venturing into a free saxophone and drums interchange. Robinson explores the whole range of his instrument with virtuoso runs, growls and screeches. The drums drop out, leaving the unaccompanied Robinson playing more soulfully and melodic. He eventually brings the ensemble back in and sets up a disquisitive piano solo by White.

"Arrival" begins with free and abstract piano runs and the first introduction on the album of flute played by Robinson. More free playing featuring drums, ambient bass harmonics from bassist Drew Gress and piano strings being struck to add to the effect. The flute eventually creates a riff to set up the first melodic theme. An intense piano solo interplays with flute, trombone motifs and drum hits. This piece was composed by Robinson to convey his family's history, their movements over time and their contentious arrival in the United States. It is a powerful piece.

After five very adventurous, open and exploratory pieces, we are treated to "Grayscale" (the title a reference to old black and white photos), the next track on the album, and it hits the listener with an infectious groove played in what sounds like a seven feel with a bass ostinato, funky drums, percussive piano and a catchy melody. First up to the solo, White is on the piano and starts with a lovely pickup run to get things going. Next up is Robinson on saxophone, preceded by a quirky soli section. This track ends all too soon, leaving the listener wanting more,

The album concludes with "Ancestral Numbers," revisiting the title piece from Robinson's previous album. This vibrant piece features contrapuntal themes and an expressive and free piano solo. The chemistry between the ensemble appears so good here, and the album as a whole, that the listener is not sure what parts of the performance are written out or are improvised.

Ancestral Numbers II is a beautiful album with a strong statement. Robinson delivers clever compositions with plenty of non-expectant twists and turns. The soloists have plenty of room to stretch out musically, and this quintet sounds very cohesive, with the blend of saxophone and trombone working well together. A recommended listening experience!

Comments