The Better Half

Over the course of his four previous albums, drummer Jae Sinnett worked territory similar to that of the "new traditionalists." However, with The Better Half, Sinnett takes a giant leap beyond those confines, sewing together a colorful quilt of fresh and contemporary musical ideas. Although the instrumentation is primarily acoustic, there is a contemporary feel to much of this disc. "Tony's Hop," a tribute to Tony Williams, is reminiscent of Weather Report (without the synths), with sax ace Chris Potter essaying a distinctively Wayne Shorter-ish tone on soprano. "Chris Cross" and "Bozzio's Jackets" display Sinnett's love of the Yellowjackets' music, while "Jody Ellen" is an attractive ballad giving Potter and pianist Allen Farnham plenty of space to stretch out. Farnham also delivers a quietly beautiful solo piano stroll through Sinnett's "Another Fall." As on his earlier releases, Sinnett keeps the compositions and overall performances in the forefront, with the few drum solos being tasteful and musically appropriate. He and his regular trio-mates Farnham and bassist Terry Burrell evidence the seamless musical rapport that can only come from many nights playing together, and Potter blends in as though he were a regular band member as well. His playing is superb throughout, and his performance here adds more fuel to his rapidly rising reputation. The Better Half will surprise those who have followed Jae Sinnett's career as a leader, but the surprise is all to the good. This is a disc that is full of fine compositions and excellent playing, one that points Sinnett promisingly forward into "the better half" of his musical career. ~ Jim Newsom