Menagerie
The Arrow Of Time

Superb modal/soul-jazz set from this ‘Menagerie’ who last delivered 6 years ago in the form of ‘They Shall Inherit’. The multi-talented Lance Ferguson (Bamboo’s/Cookin’ On 3 Burners etc) is among the members here, so you know the standard is high. ‘The Arrow Of Time’ comprises 5 tracks with the title track coming in at an epic 10:50 minutes of horn lead brilliance with Phil Noy’s sax trading with Ross Irwin’s trumpet: both guys are also members of the Bamboos. The spoken word ‘Evolution’ also brings to mind Kamazi Washington while the pacey ‘Escape Velocity’ harks back to the likes of Dadisi Komolaffe. The funky ‘Spiral’ has a Strata East feel with an infectious groove while the beautiful ‘Nova’ is set in waltz time and ebbs and weaves along with a hypnotic feel (even a little Gregory Porter in the melodies that drift out). Stunning work full of integrity and class. Fans of Tribe, Black Jazz and Strata East will enjoy this, along with followers of the new vogue in jazz. Essential.