XYZ

Fresh is the best one-word summation of XYZ. Jeff Richman’s eighteenth record as a leader, and first since 2016’s dynamic Sizzle, keenly addresses the old adage that “good things come to those who wait.” Richman’s ensemble is anchored by rhythm section giants Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip, as well as by keyboardists George Whitty, Scott Kinsey, Mitchel Forman, Otmaro Ruiz and trumpet soloist Jeff Beal. Nine original songs, led by Richmans’ compositional imagination, are propelled by the dynamics of the band’s improvisational skills. While Richman’s well established signature sound is gracefully in place, XYZ expands the directional scope, and pops with a modern-day swagger.