Language

by Scott YanowAlto saxophonist Daniel Carter is an avant-gardist who can also play thoughtfully and with logical development. On Language, he performs five group originals with bassist Reuben Radding and drummer Gregg Keplinger that are mostly free improvisations. The music starts at its most intense with "Speak Glow," evolves from being introspective to fiery on the nearly 20-minute title cut, is passionate on "Aphasia," and finds the group playing a spontaneous ballad on "Never 3 Saturday." "Roadrunner" concludes the intriguing set with more fire. In addition to Carter's expressive but subtle alto and the forward momentum provided by Keplinger, Radding's bass playing (particularly the sections where he is bowing) is noteworthy, holding the music together and adding a solid direction to the performances. This is the type of recording that grows in interest with each listen.