with the quintet following in a theme that seemed to go into a Latin-inflected direction at first, but then went into more of a contemporary format. There was little improvisation there, as the tune was used as an introduction.
Sung then led the group into "Brother Thelonious," a Monk-inspired original that began with a flurry of notes from trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, followed by a dexterous solo from saxophonist Seamus Blake
's "Vaya," and Blake pretty much stepped aside so D'Rivera could be the main reed on the group as he played a beautiful solo, which was followed by Jensen, who started improvising quite subtly. After a few bars her solo grew into something much bigger, with long notes and creative riffs.
The group was clearly in a light mood during the set, and went into a seemingly impromptu take on "Blue Moon." D'Rivera mostly played the main melodic line while the others used the tune's simple blues structure to stretch.
's "It Don't Mean A Thing," performed in a New Orleans-like groove, while all the ensemble's members kept with the playful feel they had during the previous number, often improvising against each otherwhich was very refreshing to hear, as one rarely hears such a fun set in a room like this one.