Double Demon

Starlicker is a trio composed of cornet player Rob Mazurek (Chicago Underground Duo/Trio/Quartet and Exploding Star Orchestra, among others), vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz (also of Exploding Star Orchestra), and drummer John Herndon (Tortoise). The music these three men produce is jazz with a powerful rhythmic drive; Herdon's drumming throughout the disc is pummeling and constant, setting up a sturdy floor upon which Adasiewicz dances as Mazurek floats in the air. His melody lines are fluid and his tone is full; he avoids the swirling abstractions of his work alongside the late Bill Dixon in favor of almost-hard bop blowing. Some of this music recalls the mid-'60s work of vibist Bobby Hutcherson, on Blue Note albums like Stick-Up! and Dialogue. None of it is particularly avant-garde, if one takes that term to mean "dry and alienating." Much of it swings, in a rocking sort of way, and it has moments of serene, atmospheric beauty ("Triple Hex"). Highly recommended to fans of smart jazz that remembers to entertain.