CADENCE MAGAZINE

by Robert Rusch

Violinist JONATHAN NG’S delightful new CD features his sextet of Albert Alva [ts], Luca Pino [gtr],Chris Dawson [p], Seth Ford-Young [b] and Josh Collazo [drm]. The title track of THE SPHYNX [nolabel, no number] is an NG original, not to be confused with Ornette’s Sphinx. The remaining five tracks are all covers in the tradition of pre-war swing — Basie, Hamp, Jacquet and a little touch of the Hot Club. At 22:02, this EP is way too short, relative to its pleasures. One can hope the next is a full length CD!