Walter Smith III, Three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not Review

Following the Jazz Muse: Walter Smith III

by Ferell Aubre

Saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III is back with his Blue Note Records project titled, Three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not. The saxophonist and composer brings to the table a tribute to his hometown, Houston, Texas. With pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland, Rogers is the odd man out as he is from the Virgin Islands. Together, the quartet presents an eleven-song set of multiple styles and textures.

Smith starts on a good foot with a medium-up waltz titled “Seesaw.” The melody loops upon itself as the ensemble builds interest through dynamics. Rogers and Harland create a powerful backdrop for Smith’s extended solo. His ideas build on the intervallic relationships of the theme. The ensemble interaction is excellent, especially between Smith and Harland. Moran’s fluid solo shows his elegant style of playing melodically with exciting flurries of notes to build energy.

“24” is an up-tempo contemporary jazz composition with an extended duet between Smith and Harland, further demonstrating their chemistry. The ensemble soon joins in a spirited group improvisation that shows the deep musical interaction between the musicians.

The straight-eight intensity of “610 Loop” combines contemporary jazz with elements of funk and R&B, adding yet another style to this diverse collection of feels. “Cézanne” is a memorable composition named after the iconic Houston jazz club. Smith and Moran both turn in excellent solos.

Sam Rivers’ “Point of Many Returns” features the quartet swinging hard. This vibrant performance will interest those needing to get their swing fix. In addition, “A Brief Madness” offers an up-tempo swing feel with stunning ensemble interaction, the cornerstone of the album’s success.

“Montrose Nocturne” is a beautiful ballad that mixes classical, contemporary, and European jazz to create a dynamic and free-flowing setting. The slow tempo lets us enjoy the ensemble’s ability to play with time without ever letting the listener lose a clear sense of the pulse, showcasing the level of musicianship the album has to offer.

Overall, Three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not is a solid modern jazz find that will satisfy the jazz lover who appreciates an ensemble with strong communication skills and who is not afraid to follow their music muse to any point.