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Altin Sencalar: In Good Standing

By David A. Orthmann
June 29, 2023
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In many ways, In Good Standing is a jazz aficionado's dream. Trombonist, composer, and arranger

Altin Sencalar

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Altin Sencalar's inaugural disc as a leader for Posi-Tone encourages granular, analytical consideration. It is worthwhile to pause and think about the details of inspired performances, ponder the efficacy of Sencalar's original compositions and interpretations of gems penned by jazz giants, and contemplate the numerous examples of his band's esprit de corps. Conversely, it would be a shame to only concentrate on these things and lose sight of the record's ultimate triumph—joyous, life- affirming sounds which engage the spirit, body, and intellect. The record stands a chance of appealing to an audience more extensive than the ever- diminishing number of hardcore jazz fans.

Sencalar is yet another young, emerging talent welcomed into the Posi-Tone fold. Some of the label's regulars, tenor and soprano saxophonist

Diego Rivera

saxophone, tenor
b.1977

" data-original-title="" title="">Diego Rivera, alto saxophonist and flautist

Patrick Cornelius

saxophone, alto
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Patrick Cornelius, and the stunning rhythm section of pianist

Art Hirahara

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Hirahara, bassist

Boris Kozlov

bass, acoustic
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Boris Kozlov, and drummer

Rudy Royston

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Rudy Royston, transform his designs into a living, breathing reality.

The record's high spirits and positive vibe are largely due to Sencalar's prowess as an arranger, composer, and instrumentalist. He has an affinity for Latin-oriented sounds likely to induce bodily movement and please the ear. Sencalar converts

Tommy Flanagan

piano
1930 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Tommy Flanagan's "Minor Mishap" into a Guajira;

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver 's "Nutville" is recast in a Latin groove in its entirety; there is the inclusion of what he refers to as an "Elvin Mambo" on the bridge of his composition "Walk Around;" the addition of a touch of salsa montuno to "Homeanje a Armando;" and there is a shift from medium tempo swing to a double time samba feel on the bridge of "Marina's Arrival."

"Reimagined" and "Marina's Arrival," a pair of genial, beckoning tracks which feature just Sencalar and the rhythm section, emphasize the connection between the trombone and the human voice. (They also invite speculation on how well he could carry an entire record without another front-line instrument.) His tone sounds full-bodied, weighty, and expansive, something to sink into, a massage for the soul. Sencalar's improvisations on these and the rest of the cuts are rich in detail, balancing in-the-moment discoveries and adherence to the demands of the material. He is ably encouraged by Hirahara's amalgam of shrewd support and playful nudging, Kozlov's Rock of Gibraltar bass lines, and Royston's uncanny ability to sound sturdy and a bit unhinged at the same time.

Sencalar's cover of

Jack Wilson

piano
1936 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Jack Wilson's deep grooving "Do It" serves as a fitting conclusion to In Good Standing. Hirahara offers a steady stream of wily comments amidst the horns' melody. Kozlov locks in the tempo and rhythmic feel. Royston gives a lesson in creative jazz-funk propulsion, striking thickset accents and executing scintillating fills without taking up too much space or messing with the band's momentum. Each of the four soloists—Sencalar, Cornelius, Rivera, and Hirahara—stands tall in a limited amount of space and renders novel ways of bringing on the funk.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Minor Mishap; Walk Around; Fall; Navy's Mood; Homenaje A Armando; Reimagined; Mixed Feelings; Lullaby For Paw; Nutville; Marina's Arrival; Do It.

Personnel

Altin Sencalar

trombone

Diego Rivera

saxophone, tenor

Patrick Cornelius

saxophone, alto

Art Hirahara

piano

Rudy Royston

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Diego Rivera: soprano saxophone; Patrick Cornelius: flute

Album information

Title: In Good Standing | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records

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Altin Sencalar Concerts

Sep 13 Sat

David Mesquitic & Altin Sencalar

Dazzle Jazz Club
Denver, CO

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