Bono In the Temple

"Bono" is a great listen!

     

This new quintet, a collection of like-minded jazz musicians from Memphis, Tennessee, effectively navigates a challenging set of great tunes and offers some highly creative and interactive improvisations. Saxophonist Tom Link and pianist Amy Rempel create some especially memorable moments while drummer Sexton is particularly strong throughout, both as soloist and rhythm section collaborator with bassist Sam Shoup. Shoup is a musical chameleon and one of the most visible members of Memphis’ fertile musical scene. The album, comprised of eight original compositions by trumpeter/leader Dave Lisik (who sounds most outstanding when playing flugelhorn on multiple cuts) and a cleverly reharmonized take on Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia On My Mind," flows smoothly from front to back, offering a distinct sound and compositional style. The title track, named after U2 frontman Bono, adds a subtle palette of electronic media which does a great job of complimenting the live elements. Bono in the Temple is an unusually fine musical project which will prompt many repeated listenings!