| The septet led by saxophonist Robinson on [From the Sun] leaps forward with plenty of motive power on a straight-ahead path. On most cuts, Robinson incorporates a three-horn front line and a rhythm section with both piano and guitar to spur them. Trumpeter MacKinnon and trombonist Theis generate the brass energy while Robinson plays his tenor with singes of fire offsetting a mellow tone. All of the material was composed and arranged by Robinson and includes multiple examples of lively action. A feature of the band is its tight ensemble play. Most of the tunes are structured around zippy themes, which are expressed in bold terms by the band. Robinson uses this structure to cast off into reasonably controlled improvised waters. He breaks from the arranged segments for short blowing exercises and allows the others to do the same on selected occasions.
The three-tune "Suite for Julia" consists of two uptempo, full band swingers, "Thought" and "Perception," surrounding the delicately constructed ballad "Love" that features Robinson with only a piano trio. With the quartet, he expressively paints a love song scenario with gentle brush strokes. Another quartet song, "Spirit of a Trane," provides a good opportunity for Robinson to stretch out and blow. When the full septet is on board, they typically kick the proceedings into high gear and swing. Vincent often sheds his rhythm guitar role for more adventurous improvising and Sherbundy does the same on piano. Robinson and his band play music with a decided pulse and strong forward motion. They get the job done.
Frank Rubolino - Cadence Magazine (January 2001) |