A Dream in a Stone

Veteran Chicago-based pianist and composer Kelly Brand waited quite some time to make her recording debut as a leader, but Dream in a Stone is worth the wait. Her sextet includes husband Kelly Sill on bass, the unusual combination of trumpet and bass trumpet (played respectively by Art Davis and Ryan Shultz), along with tenor saxophonist Jim Gailloreto and drummer Phil Gratteau. "Uprooted" is a driving opener that showcase the group in great form, while the catchy Latin-flavored "Night Vision" is full of twists. "In the Dark" is a vocal feature for guest Suzanne Palmer, a brisk jazz waltz with rich horn backgrounds, including a humorous recurring reference to a typical childhood chant. "Lament for Lost Words" is an emotionally powerful ballad that deserves to have lyrics (if it doesn't already), while it showcases terrific solos by both Brand and Sill. Unfortunately, Koch did little to promote this all around fine effort by the Kelly Brand Sextet and it may be somewhat difficult to find; though it is well worth picking up.