Lasting Impression

A drummer first, but a bandleader foremost, Brandon Sanders leads his urbane, hard-swinging quartet on his third solo album, 2025s Lasting Impression. Once again working with producer and fellow drummer Willie Jones III, Sanders has delivered what feels like the third in a trilogy of albums that began with 2023s Comptons Finest and continued with 2024s The Tables Will Turn, astutely executed acoustic productions that evoke the classic Blue Note LPs of the 1960s. Although his band lineup has shifted slightly over the three albums, one constant has been vibraphonist Warren Wolf, a star in his own right, whose rounded, bop-infused lines smartly evoke the sound of masters like Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson. His presence here adds a distinctive quality to Sanders quintet, one that melds nicely with tenor saxophonist Stacy Dillard, who leads the front line with a Dexter Gordon-esque elan. Also on board are longtime associate bassist Eric Wheeler and esteemed pianist Eric Scott Reed, who brings his deep wealth of experience, blending jazz and gospel traditions much in the way Horace Silver did, but whose playing here displays a wide influence from Tommy Flanagan to McCoy Tyner. As a leader, Sanders propels his group, pushing them with a generous swagger that never gets in the way. Emblematic of his generous thinking is the groups opening take on Bobby Hutchersons "8/4 Beat," a crisp, modal-jazz-meets-Broadway-style opener that allows Sanders to showcase his ensemble. Equally compelling moments follow, including the slinky minor blues "Tales of Mississippi," the hard bop groover "No BS for B.S.," and the quarters noirish reading of Mal Waldrons ballad "Soul Eyes." Of course, spotlit on the album is singer Jazzmeia Horn (another returning star from Comptons Finest), who brings her earthy, smiling sound to the standard "Our Love Is Here to Stay," and a romantic, golden-hour rendition of the Aretha Franklin soul classic "Until You Come Back to Me (Thats What Im Gonna Do)." With Lasting Impression, Sanders has crafted an album that leaves you wanting more in the best way. ~ Matt Collar