ALBUM REVIEWS

RALPH PETERSON FO’TET

“The Reclamation Project”

Evidence

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Despite all the high-minded liner-note talk about the creative freedom Peterson is enjoying on his new label (his previous five albums were recorded for Blue Note), there’s little new in the drummer’s own attack, an in-your-face bombardment that often overwhelms the work of his sidemen. The most significant change is the addition of vibist and marimba player Bryan Carrott, whose percussive riffs give the drummer even more freedom.

Although there are more than a few exciting moments here from Peterson and saxophonist Steve Wilson, most of the 10 songs, all by Peterson, lack focus, serving rather as a vehicle for the leader’s rhythmic onslaughts. A little more emphasis on composition would go a long way toward solidifying the aggressive drummer’s direction.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).