Jumping the Creek
While this is a quartet recording, some of the most thrilling moments on the disc are when the four members are interacting in pairs. The title track opens with drummer Eric Harland and Lloyd, the bass enters briefly, and then only the trap set continues in duet with pianist Geri Allen. Lloyd's compositions move from post-bop melodicism ("Ken Katta Ma Om") to the seemingly ancient bearing of folk-like figures ("Angel Oak Revisited"). Allen in particular is a stimulating springboard for the leader. She has played with him since the beginning of this decade, and the breadth of playing is showcased in the new writing. The sheer variety of this set is stunning, as the quartet steps from continent to continent with intoxicating confidence.--David Greenberger