Album Review: Better Days from Mr. Chair

Album:  Better Days
Artist:  Mr. Chair
Label:  Self-Released
Website:  https://www.mrchairmusic.com/

From whirlwind-like flourishes to dulcet soundscapes, jazz septet Mr. Chair takes audiences through a prismatic excursion of original works on their latest release Better Days.  The placid sonorous of "Abandoned Cities" causes listeners to pause and reflect as José Guzmán's guitar riffs reach a depth that affects the emotions, while the picturesque vista portrayed by Mark Hetzler's trombone and Eddie Barbash's also sax furling languidly along "Elergy" evokes peace and serenity. 

The mood changes as surges of passionately-driven gusts from Jason Kutz's trickling keys and Hertzler's flaring trombone interlace along "Appellation Spring" with the rhythmic traction of bassist Ben Ferris and drummer Mike Koszewski holding the progressions stable.  A Caribbean accent simmers from the soft undulations of the rhythmic beats as Barbash's saxophone sensually swirls across "Fuchsia," while the clarion tone of Hetzler's trombone brandishes a pulsating thrust along "Britten's Written Rhythm."

As the followup to their debut recording Nebulebula, Better Days offers listeners both moments to reflect about life and celebrate life.  Their kinetic exchanges are organic and leave the audience feeling like they have witnessed a genuine brotherhood, an esprit de corps, and a camaraderie that is accessible to everybody.

Musicians:
Ben Ferris - bass
José Guzmán - guitar
Mark Hetzler - trombone
Mike Koszewski - drums
Jason Kutz - keyboards
Eddie Barbash - alto saxophone
Buzz Kemper - spoken word