Mark Godfrey: Square Peg
Mark Godfrey

As vehicles go, it'd be hard to think of one less exciting than a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, the model Mark Godfrey's used to transport his double bass between gigs in Toronto and New York. There's nothing boring, however, about Square Peg, the ten-track quintet album that crystallized over four years of cross-border trips. Recorded over two days in July 2018, it's a terrific collection boasting a varied set-list, superb compositions by the bassist, and exemplary performances by Godfrey's quintet, a fabulous unit featuring the leader joined by saxophonists Allison Au (alto) and Matt Woroshyl (tenor), pianist Chris Pruden, and drummer Nick Fraser. All distinguish the recording with their playing, but special mention must be made of the horn players, who show themselves to be a magnificent pairing throughout.

The bar's set immediately high when a gorgeous theme emerges to send “Black Stars” on its way, the horns voicing unison lines with characteristic skillfulness. Even at this early stage the cohesiveness of the quintet is apparent, with Woroshyl digging smoothly into the opening solo with responsive support from the rhythm section. No slouch in the solo department, Pruden follows with an elegant contribution marked by personality and imagination, his expressions doing much to bolster the music's character. Written on a day Godfrey showed up for a performance only to discover the band leader had sent out the wrong date, “No Gig Today” impresses for the breeziness of its boppish swing and seeming effortlessness of execution. An especially delicious moment arises two-and-a-half minutes in when the saxophonists engage in unaccompanied cross-talk before lunging into overlapping solos with the others powering the groove behind them.

It's hard not to think of Charlie Haden as the title track unfolds, not only for Godfrey's rather Haden-like attack but also for a subtle South American tone that calls to mind Dream Keeper, the Liberation Music Orchestra release from 1990. The cascades with which Pruden showers the performance are arresting, so much so it's possible to overlook the free-floating backdrop Godfrey and Fraser expertly fashion behind him.

Square Peg's chock full of classy quintet performances, from “Skyline,” a dynamic workout Au distinguishes with an inventive and explorative solo, to the uptempo burner “Forty Minutes or More.” As often happens, however, a quieter setting registers as strongly as the aggressive material, and on this release it's “One Game Away From Winter,” a sultry ballad delivered exquisitely by the quintet. Topping this album standout is a coda that sees the tenor purring behind the alto like Lester Young shadowing Billie Holiday so many decades ago. In a final surprise, the album ends not with a quintet piece but a bluesy, three-minute solo treatment of “Bucket List” by the leader, a tune Godfrey previously recorded with his Pram Trio partners, pianist Jack Bodkin and drummer Eric West.

February 2020