Daggerboard: Escapement

Daggerboard is five piece jazz ensemble hailing from the Bay Area. They released their debut album titled Daggerboard and the Skipper in 2022, followed by Escapement in 2024. In the band are:

Henry “The Skipper� Franklin (acoustic bass)
Erik Jekabson (trumpet and flugelhorn)
Gregory Howe (percussion)
Matt Clark (piano and Rhodes)
Mike Clark (drums)
There is long list of guests as well, including Mads Tolling (violin) and Sheldon Brown (bass clarinet, clarinet, and flutes).

On Escapement, the band plays a melodic style of post-bop jazz with occasional elements of funk, classical, and fusion. The playing is marvelous throughout, these musicians are in complete synchronicity whether settling into a fine groove or expanding into some fantastic solo spots. Each musician etches their mark with fine-tuned ensemble play beginning with the rousing and addictive “Centrifugal� and its scintillating piano and moody blankets of trumpet. It is easy to become transfixed with the ensemble’s deep and thoughtful grooves. Then there’s the title track and “Return of the Pendulum�, both fine orchestral pieces featuring superb brass, drums, and percussion. Here the band goes for a rather large, cinematic sound. On “Climbing In the Cocoon� the sound is cool and contemplative with a catchy arrangement and lovely melodies. With the languid “Shiva’s Mode� the music touches on Middle Eastern themes and includes excellent piano, trumpet and bass clarinet solos. On the album ending “All Cool In the Wheelhouse�, Mike Clark’s complex drum patterns underscores Jekabson’s smooth horn work.

Man oh man this is some of the best jazz I have heard in a while. Escapement needs to be heard!

A Wide Hive Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Centrifugal (6:18)
2. Escapement (2:22)
3. Climbing In The Cocoon (5:56)
4. Shiva’s Mode (6:48)
5. The Balance Board (4:59)
6. Return Of The Pendulum (2:18)
7. Distant Sirens (4:20)
8. Olivia I (4:48)
9. Certified Clockwork (5:16)
10. Concrete Dim (4:18)
11. Petracorinda (5:20)
12. All Cool In The Wheelhouse (6:38)

Added: February 6th 2025
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 190
Language: english

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