In the Moment

by Stewart MasonThough Bob Mintzer normally works in the big band tradition, the tenor saxophonist does the occasional small combo session as well. In the Moment is one of those rare sets, recorded in one December 2004 session with the rhythm section of pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer John Riley. A completely straightforward mainstream jazz set in the post-bop tradition, In the Moment mostly consists of originals (the highlight of which is Markowitz's lovely ballad "Forgiveness"), with a respectful take on the ballad standard "Time After Time" and a playful, swinging version of Eddie Harris' soul-jazz hit "Listen Here" thrown in for variety. Two showcases for the woody, funky tone of Mintzer's bass clarinet, "Blues" and "What's the Word," add another dimension to the album. In a way, there's nothing special about In the Moment, no mindblowing solos or particularly exciting interplay between the bandmembers. It's simply a solid contemporary jazz album with no crossover pretensions. That alone makes it an endearing, enjoyable listen.