Myra Melford's Be Bread

This is really strong music! Played by a tight, mutually supportive sextet, pianist/composer Melford's evocative compositions and exquisite arrangements create a prismatic narrative of emotional depth. From the folkloric shades of "Through the Same Gate," with delicate acoustic guitar work by Brandon Ross, to the entrancing, suspended jazziness of "Moon Bird," with its jaw-dropping piano intro and excoriating trumpet solo by Cuong Vu, the eight pieces are played with a uniformly lofty level of musicianship. Ross's soprano guitar whispers its intro on "Night," whose melody is fervently "sung" by Vu and clarinettist Ben Goldberg. Drummer Matt Wilson plays with restraint and colouristic precision throughout. Of special note are the contributions by bassist Stomu Takeishi, especially on "A Generation Comes and Another Goes." His intro solo of ringing harmonics has the subtleties of a master painter's brush strokes. And Goldberg's contra-alto clarinet solo is way deep. The Whole Tree Gone embodies high-level jazz artistry and musical eloquence. Highly recommended.