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Anton Schwartz, Flash Mob (AntonJazz)
The front-line blend of the leader’s tenor saxophone and Dominic Farinacci’s trumpet may recall Hank Mobley and Kenny Dorham, but if this is hard bop, its 21st century attitude is Schwartz’s own. His compositions have a distinctive quality that incorporates disparate harmonies and rhythms. “Pangur Ban†could be a down home Irish reel, if there is such a thing. “Swamp Thang†has overtones suggesting that the swamp in question is on Georgia or southern Florida tribal land. Thelonious Monk’s and Kenny Clarke’s “Epistrophy†and Dorham’s “La Mesha†are interesting for Schwartz’s special treatments, but his 10 originals hold their own in that distinguished company. He and Farinacci play beautifully throughout. Pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassist John Shiflett and drummer Lorca Hart are an impressive rhythm team.