Keyboardist
Alan Pasqua is the headliner on "The Anti Social Club," however, that
doesn't mean he has to be the star. But -- wait a minute -- let's just
give him credit for putting together a jazz band that is shaped by rock
elements, yet never loses its jazz roots. In displaying that, the band
is dominated easily by the work of guitarist Nels Cline, a star of
Wilco, and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. The guitarist, for instance,
is the heart of "George Russell" a hard-working blues, and also sets
the course for "New Rhodes." The latter number eventually becomes the
home of the trumpeter and saxophonist Jeff Ellwood. The piece also is
driven by bassist Jimmy Haslip from the Yellowjackets. Akinmusire
stands out on a meditative "Prayer" and the jazz-leaning title cut.
None of this is to suggest Pasqua doesn't help the effort. He offers a
strong solo on "New Rhodes" and his backup work throughout the album
provides a richness that makes the seven-piece band sound bigger than
it is.
-- Bob Karlovits
