Ones & Twos (2025)

"On his slyly experimental "Ones & Twos", Gerald Clayton balances warm contemporary jazz with a boldly low-key DJ-inspired concept. Joining Clayton is an ensemble of equally daring improvisers, including vibraphonist Joel Ross, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, trumpeter Marquis Hill, and drummer Kendrick Scott. Together, they dig into Clayton's sonically textural compositions, which find him drawing upon a cohesive blend of modal post-bop, modern classical, soul, and Afro-Latin sounds. Following the group's initial studio sessions, Clayton then brought in drummer/producer Kassa Overall to help rework the tracks in post-production, adding another layer of sonic and rhythmic interplay. Furthermore, Clayton constructed the album from the start in a conceptual manner with the first six tracks, side A, intended to be played accordingly with the second six tracks, side B -- essentially, 'mixing' them like a club DJ spinning vinyl. There's a potent mix of throwback and cutting-edge sounds on "Ones & Twos"." (AllMusic)