Joshua Redman Quartet

Longgone

Joshua Redman (tenor saxophone), Brad Mehldau (piano), Christian Mcbride (bass), Brian Blade (drums)

Nonesuch Records 75597910032

When the Joshua Redman Quartet made its debut in 1994 with Moodswing, the 20-something year olds were not your stereotypical Generation Xers. Far from sounding disaffected like many of their peers, the group’s polished post-bop projected an urbane confidence. In the intervening years (the band was together for just 18 months), its members have all forayed into more challenging contemporary territory. But, reuniting for Longgone, the years fall away as the timeless music they make together falls back into place.

Redman still leads from the front, providing six straightahead original numbers for his sidemen to revel in. His playing on the title track has the sweet, restrained feel of a late-’50s Blue

Note session, the tenorist barely breaking a sweat as he deftly negotiates his tune’s twists and turns. Virtuosic pianist Brad Mehldau is in his happy, high tempo place on ‘Disco Ears’, urged on by Blade and Mcbride snapping at his heels. Redman’s sax lines bob and weave on ‘Kite Song’, tethered by Mehldau, both hands independently busy. Everyone finally lets go completely on ‘Rejoice’, a bustling 12-minute live jam animated by Mcbride’s vamping. ★★★★★