Morning Star
(Challenge Records)

‘Part fusion, part funk’ best describes the music of saxophonist-extraordinaire Vincent Herring and the band Earth Jazz on Morning Star, their latest release. The supergroup of outstanding talent includes Richie Goods on bass, Joris Dudli on drums and Anthony Wonsey on piano. Percussionist Danny Sadownick also guests on several cuts. The hybrid energy of this band is built around grooves which can reach non-hard boppers, without becoming ‘smooth’. The album’s 10 tracks are compromised mostly of originals compositions from each of the band members, but there are also new takes on Coltrane’s “Naima”, “Soul Leo” by Mulgrew Miller and the title track by Rodgers Grant that are also worth checking out.