****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Ralph Peterson has been recording with the group he calls the Fo'tet, with a couple of personnel changes, for about ten years now. The present lineup includes Peterson on drums, Ralph Bowen on soprano sax (he replaces Steve Wilson, who succeeded clarinetist Don Byron), Belden Bullock - Bass (who replaced original bassist Mellisa Slocum), and Bryan Carrott on vibes and marimba. This is the fifth Fo'tet recording and continues the concept established by the first four. The group primarily comes out of the post bop tradition, but pushes the envelope to create an original sound that is an extension of that tradition. Peterson can play anything on the drums. Although he rarely takes extended drum solos, his presence is felt throughout. Even on the slower tempo songs, he is constantly pushing the soloists and interacting with the other members of the group. He does not always play what is expected, and that is what helps to give a very identifiable sound, something which is somewhat difficult from the drums. This is Bowen's first recording with the group and he makes a solid contribution. Because most of the songs are relatively short, the chance of overlong solos which don't say anything is reduced. Carrott, who because he does not have any recordings under his own name is relatively unknown, is a very original vibist. In the liner notes, Peterson describes him as coming from the African baliphone tradition. This comes through in his playing especially on the marimba. Michael Brecker guests on two songs, and his presence helps to bring out a little something extra in the members of the group. Overall this is a very enjoyable recording. The compositions, composed by the members of the group with a couple of standards thrown in, suit the group well and offer a good enough variety of mood and tempo to keep you interested. The [rating] system does not allow it, but I would rate this album at least 3 1/2 stars, and on continued listening it will probably increase to four. Recommended.
