Circles
Award-winning Dutch guitarist Jesse Van Ruller changes gears on his second Criss Cross outing, fronting a stellar quartet with Seamus Blake on tenor sax, Sam Yahel on organ, and Bill Stewart on drums. His previous album focused mainly on standards and classic jazz vehicles. In contrast, "Circles" showcases the leader's compositional talents first and foremost. In addition to six varied Van Ruller originals and one by tenorman Seamus Blake, the group offers a ballad reading of "Gone with the Wind" and a brisk, odd-metered rendition of the Irving Berlin classic "Cheek to Cheek." With his crisp tone, fluid phrasing, and vibrant imagination, Van Ruller continues to stake his claim as one of the globe's most promising straightahead jazz stylists.