(Motema)

Trombonist Dennis Rollins is no newcomer, but his sound is a true revelation on The 11th Gate his third release as a leader. Rollins and his Velocity Trio which includes Ross Stanley on Hammond organ and Pedro Segundo on drums and percussion, sculpt beautiful melodic soundscapes in a style that is both traditional and decidedly contemporary. Think J.J. Johnson meets Weather Report and Jack McDuff. The three players on the project have wonderful synchronicity, and Rollins’ gift as a songwriter is on full display with the UK native composing all the tunes on the project. This is an artful and terrific production.