CADENCE MAGAZINE

by Robert Rusch

ZEN ZADRAVEC [p] and his septet offer strong bop on HUMAN REVOLUTION [Factor Records zz 07742]. The undated recording features seven nice originals plus a beautifully rendered take on “Soul Eyes” [62:00]. Trumpeter John Douglas shows his chops briefly on the opening track, with Derrick Gardner coming on strong later in the session. Other standouts include Todd Bashore [as, ss], who plays with emotional sensitivity, and Dylan Bell singing wordlessly on two tracks. A pleasant excursion.