Red Brick Hill (2024)

"Clarinetist and composer Harry Skoler enlists the help of stellar musicians to enrich a set of 14 compositions that tells the sad, traumatic story of the loss of a friend in his teenage years. The core quartet comprises Skoler, vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassist Dezron Douglas, and drummer Johnathan Blake. The album, "Red Brick Hill", is infused with curiosity and invention, often surprising with an optimum balance between discipline and freedom. The central piece of the album is the gorgeous ballad “Last Star, Last Night”, where Skoler and guest pianist Christian Sands express what’s in their souls through candid improvisation. The title cut, “Red Brick Hill”, explores a 5/4 groove for five minutes before shifting into rubato meditations, ideal for Douglas and Ross’ lyrical stimulus. The group concludes it calmly after a different bass groove in five is put in motion." (JazzTrail; 3.5 uit 5 sterren)