from All About Jazz.com

A sextet based out of Seattle, Washington, Reptet present a sound and message that, in its own words, aptly describes both the group’s approach and its broader mission “to compose, interpret and improvise music that inspires growth through freedom and discipline.” Working within a good-natured, party band atmosphere, the unit manages to stretch its genre’s typical trappings on Chicken or Beef?, with both a broad array of stylistic capabilities as well as an adventurous, fun-loving attitude too often lacking in this setting.

The album opens with the funky “Danger Notes.” Starting off in New Orleans party band mode, percussionist John Ewing and bassist Tim Carey guide a path that ebbs from the scorching solo of saxophonist Chris Credit to the more contemplative, textural mood over which Samantha Boshnack’s trumpet can shine.

Things get even less predictable on “Reptet Score!” With a flurry of horns and percussion, the piece uses a Latin-tinged theme, building until the whole unit yells “hey!” before slinking into a steady, understated groove that meets somewhere between the dance floor and the lounge. The piece breaks apart soon enough, with horn squalls and guffaws abounding, sounding not unlike Spike Jones and his City Slickers if they were to cover Sun Ra.

… continue reading at All About Jazz.com

Category:
Review, Seattle Jazz