Aperture

Album review: As is obvious throughout Aperture, Daryl Gott has his own sound and adventurous style. While his accessible tone may remind one at times of the West Coast cool jazz players of the 1950s including Paul Desmond, his choice of notes is quite modern and original.             The altoist is joined on six of his originals and two standards by a top-notch trio consisting of organist Tom Amend, guitarist Max Light, and drummer Neal Hemphill. The set begins with the title cut, a harmonically advanced tune that features inventive alto, guitar and organ solos, acting as a fine introduction to the group. “For Joey,” a tribute to the late bassist Joey Pearlman, has a complex theme before it becomes a stirring and swinging performance. “Contrary Motion” is a gentle jazz waltz while “Trollin’” has a complex melody worthy of Lennie Tristano along with infectious chord changes that result in hard swinging from each of the musicians.            Melodic versions of two standards, “Long Ago And Far Away” and “I Can’t Get Started,” give Daryl Gott an opportunity to display his ease in exploring vintage songs.  Aperture also includes the funky but unpredictable “Aligned Aesthetics” and the closing uptempo swinger “Fleeting Moments.”            Daryl Gott and his sidemen are in consistently impressive form throughout Aperture. Its release makes one look forward to the altoist’s future projects. -Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian