Swiss saxophonist Co Streiff and American trumpeter Russ Johnson join forces once again on Oracle, a six-track date where both bring their imaginative, open compositions to the fore. 15 years after In Circles, the pair—backed by the cooperative rhythm team of bassist Christian Weber and seasoned drummer Gerry Hemingway (replacing Julius Sartorius)—is back in action. Despite the recording hiatus, the band got together in 2019, developing further ties that culminated in a 2023 tour.

Johnson’s “Horizontal Heartburn”, initially a vehicle for Hemingway’s balance of dry and wet toms and syncopated hi-hat pulsation, follows with dramatic shifts in urgency, tension, and release. A staccato-driven section pumped up with unison horn lines soon morphs into a lyrically conscious theme contoured by tone-center shifts. Johnson’s noble way of articulating phrases is substantiated over sturdy bass plucks, and the piece soon engages in marching steps, leading to a frantic final dance.

Streiff’s “Smithy Street” invites us to a funk-rock groove, perfectly suitable for measured avant-garde considerations. The saxophonist also contributes “Remember Little Feather”, a free-bop swing ride where she adds clever motifs, taking us to Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. The tempo rises to double time for Johnson’s adrenaline-infused statement, with Hemingway stealing the spotlight at the end as he embarks on climactic rhythmic tapestries overflowing with interesting ideas.

While the final track, “Oracle”, offers a creatively bluesy atmosphere, Johnson’s “Sanguache” comes shrouded in a cool vibe enhanced by nonchalant parallel melodies and a strong, hi-hat-accentuated backbeat. This tune preserves its lyrical side even when the band makes a somewhat unexpected turn into rock. One of the strongest pieces consists of a combination of Streiff’s “In Circles”, first recorded on the previous album, and Johnson’s “Yellow Crane”. Warm bluesy colors, a breezy tone, and an uncluttered rhythmic texture emerge with a 3/4 feel. Weber’s excellent skills and attention to detail make the transition to the chamber-jazz painterliness of the second tune, which enters in reflection mode with foundational bowed bass maneuvers.

Oracle provides an effective sonic canvas, showcasing the distinctive chemistry between these two leaders and the depth of what they can create together.

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