JOE LOVANO

Cross Culture

[Blue Note]

Over the course of his 22 previous Blue Note albums, Joe Lovano has proven one of the most versatile musicians in contemporary jazz. The formation of Us Five has invigorated the saxophonist and composer, and the quintet’s third album is astoundingly moving. Accompanied by his regulars—pianist James Weidman, bassist Esperanza Spalding and drummers Otis Brown III and Francisco Mela—as well as bassist Peter Slavov and guitarist Lionel Loueke, Lovano introduces exotic woodwind and percussion, allowing his players to explore international flavors. The songs are mostly originals, but Lovano likely provided little more than loose frameworks. When both drummers and bassists are fired up, the rhythmic complexities border on overwhelming, but Lovano is enough of a leader to rein things in. With Loueke’s African-rooted guitar and Weidman’s smartly crafted lines adding rhythmic and melodic depth, Cross Culture is rife with the kinds of surprises that jazz aficionados dream of. –Jeff Tamarkin