A forward-thinking album from Ralph Alessi who now very much has his house in order as both a composer, improviser and trumpeter of real note.
ECM 2864 / 573 1564
Ralph Alessi (trumpet); Joeseph Alessi (trombone); Matt Mitchell (piano); John Hébert (double bass); Ches Smith (drums, vibraphone)
Recorded February 2025
This is the first time Alessi has fronted a quintet since 2019 and with the addition to the quartet of a fifth voice in that of his brother Joseph on trombone, the trumpeter has offered up an album of eleven new and contrasting pieces that explore multiple aspects of music making in a wholly satisfying set.
If Joseph Alessi is more often to be found in a classical orchestra, he is certainly no slouch as an improvising musician and brother Ralph is quick to identify where best use to deploy the sound of the trombone in his intricate compositions that often have an appealing openness and sense of space and freedom that brings together quintet together with some inspired music making.
The sense of space is furthered by Ches Smith doubling vibes in addition to drums and partnered with bassist John Hébert provides delicate and sympathetic backdrops to the horns as well as digging in when required.
‘Relaxed Misery’ for example leads off with a trumpet/trombone opening theme before settling into an ostinato from Hébert that permits a fine dialogue from the horns as well as Ralph and Ches Smith’s drums conversing alongside pianist Matt Mitchell. This muscular aspect of the band’s repertoire is further developed on ‘Transitional Imagery’ with a driving and direct solo from pianist Mitchell over inventive and propulsive drumming from Smith and a fine solo from John Hébert’s double bass.
The quieter and more reflective side of Alessi’s writing and use of rubato can be found on the gently probing skeletal frame of ‘Nothing Is Dead’ with some lyrical trumpet playing and enthralling dialogue between piano and double bass. ‘Sweet Spot’ follows a similar path with the conversation this time featuring the two brothers while ‘Twichild’ with its beautiful melody and expressive trumpet playing from Ralph over gentle accompaniment from piano, bass and rolling drums from Smith is an album highlight.
Alessi rounds out the set with ‘Duck Face’ and ‘Behind Clouds’ (that features some lovely vibes from Ches Smith) that are cleverly conceived and exploratory pieces that hint at yet another direction that the quintet could follow as their relationship and music develops.
A forward-thinking album from Ralph Alessi who now very much has his house in order as both a composer, improviser and trumpeter of real note.
