In The Loop Personnel:Ted Nash, Tenor, Marcus Printup, trumpet; Matt Wilson, drums; Frank Kimbrough, piano; and Ben Allison, bass. Tracks:Kensington High; Gritty Ditty; In the Loop; Palace; Zaba’s Dream; The Cubist; Durning’s Dance; Café Dupa; Push.

Ted Nash’s new release “In the Loop” is a refreshing release featuring melodic new originals, tasteful improvisation and wonderful group interplay. I love Nash’s choice of personnel on this recording. He’s surrounded with musicians who are risk takers and master’s of their instruments. This leads to performances that are fresh and very entertaining to listen to.

The rhythm section has been heard on several recordings out of NYC these days. Allison and Kimbrough are excellent risk takers. They have a reputation of bringing new and fresh ideas to their sessions. Matt Wilson is an excellent compliment, for he is a great listener, and swings his %$# off.

It was nice to hear Ben Allison in this type of setting. As compared to the last couple of sessions I’ve heard him (his own Palmetto release and with Larry Goldings Quartet). He swings and plays great ensemble. Although this session is very improvisational, it also requires sensitive ensemble playing. He just meets the needs in each setting very well.

Nash has always been a very convincing musician in my eyes. He has great command of the harmonic-tonal language. Not only, but makes such great music with his vast knowledge of musical language. His compositions have a listenable quality. The Be-bop incorporated in his music is very musical, and has beautiful underlying melody. This is not an easy thing to communicate. For over the years musicians can either have command of either harmony or melody at different balances. Nash is able to communicate these difficult musical concepts into a listenable and enjoyable presentation.

The other thing about Ted’s playing which I really admire, is his unique approach to sound and improvisation. He’s sound is distinctive, deep, rich and colorful. He’s able to use his sound to incorporate a unique expressive quality. Wherein, all of his goal is to play musical phrases that are logical and meaningful. It’s very holistic and his phrases mean something to me as a listener. He is a very mature polished performer that everyone should know.

With all that said about the performers, this is a really great ensemble. Many times sessions have great improvisers who cannot make the cut of communication between themselves. This goes for any genre for that matter. This group listens extremely well. All of them such fine moments. Printup brings a Dizzy-like quality to the session with his fluid technique and combines this with a rich, soulful tone! He’s very consistent on this session. But what I really loved about his playing was his ability to capture mood. Check out Gritty Ditty, Palace and his counterpoint playing with Ted on Push , Durning Dance and In the Loop. Very musical indeed.

Kimbrough and company really shine too. You’ll love the Bill Evans-like touch on Zaba’s Dream and the Cubist. The rhythm section sounds so open and reactionary. Kimbrough displays wonderful touch, imagination and dialogue. The same thing can be said for Allison and Wilson too. It’s a rhythm section that can be stretched and flexed if you will, giving the soloists room to express themselves uniquely.

I do not usually rate discs by stars, but if I did, this is a five star recording and one of the best I’ve heard this year.

For more information about the music of Ted Nash, please visit TedNash.com