David Matthews has always been a quietly influential force in jazz, and 'Grand Cross' is a testament to his adventurous spirit. This album isn't content to color within the lines—it's a bold, exploratory session where Matthews convenes top-tier musicians to stretch jazz’s boundaries with daring arrangements and cosmic grooves. Each track feels like a meeting point of tradition and innovation, where intricate horn lines and shimmering keyboards orbit around tight, propulsive rhythms. There's a cinematic quality to Matthews' compositions, with spacious arrangements that invite the listener to get lost in their layers. The improvisational interplay here is especially remarkable, drawing on the language of jazz-funk but never settling for the expected. 'Grand Cross' is an album that rewards close listening, revealing new textures and ideas with each spin. For fans of jazz who crave both sophistication and the thrill of discovery, this LP stands out as a hidden gem from a period when boundaries were meant to be pushed. Add 'Grand Cross' to your collection if you seek music that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally groovy.
Track List:
A1 - Grand Cross - 4:24
A2 - Kingston Connection - 5:50
A3 - Afro Sax - 4:34
A4 - Pipe Dream - 5:54
B1 - Movin' Man - 5:26
B2 - For A Little Love Baby - 3:16
B3 - Sambafrique - 5:37
B4 - Star Island Drive - 6:07