Jefferson, Kelly
Cellar Jazz, 2023, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 30.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 75
O’s Notes: Canadian Jazz saxophonist Kelly Jefferson lights a fuse on Rituals, his latest release. He leads a quartet with Amanda Tosoff (p), Jon Maharaj (b) and Morgan Childs (d). Each of the musicians get their share of the spotlight but it’s the younger bandleader’s date and he shines throughout the session. There are nine compositions, each representing a milestone for Jefferson. Those are perhaps the rituals that lead him to be an award-winning artist in his prime, his young prime. This is an enjoyable set and suggests there is more is to come.
Publicist: Lisa Reedy Promotions
