Yaya3
This first-time outing by the side-project trio of young organistSam Yahel, star saxophonistJoshua Redman, and in-demand drummerBrian Bladeis sneakily low-key--a set of originals you're ready to dismiss as lightweight until the soulful melodies and group chemistry kick in. Yahel (nicknamed "Yaya"), who is new to big-label exposure, combines the subtle, blissfully restrained touch of the recently deceasedShirley Scottwith the dark cresting chords of '60s organ innovatorLarry Young. Redman, on leave from the high concepts that have grounded his recent albums, offers some of his nimblest tenor playing in a while, making us regret that he doesn't cut loose more (he also gets more out of his soprano than usual). And Blade, whose past associations with Redman and Yahel brought them together, does a nice job of toning down his edgy, declamatory style and sweeps the music along. The album marks the reawakening of Warner Bros.' long-dormant R&B; subsidiary, Loma Records.--Lloyd Sachs