Blessed (feat. Mark Helias & Michael Blake)

Scott Neumann has laid down sturdy rhythms for such diverse artists as modern big-band jazz composer Maria Schneider, bluegrass innovator Tony Trischka, and straight-ahead trombonist Pete McGuinness, as well as rock and fusion bands. Here the drummer pulls together a playlist of originals, minus Roswell Rudd’s shifting “Keep Your Heart Right.” He here leads a freewheeling trio without the harmonic support of a piano or guitar; the music is more streamlined, and that’s not always a bad thing. Bassist Mark Helias attends to the groove without getting repetitive and provides supple solos on “Hymn for Bob” and elsewhere. A veteran of The Lounge Lizards and other projects, saxophonist Michael Blake brings dark noir melodies—most notably on the eerie “Garbanzo” (with Blake on melodica) and the slow “Clamba”—plus subtle forays into more experimental territory. Overall highlights include the swinging title track, “Blues for RQ,” and a bouncing tribute to Trischka called “The Syracusian.” The sound is very approachable, yet these three are definitely painting outside the lines.