The sax/bass/drums trio is an interesting format for a jazz band. Back East, saxophonist Joshua Redman’s latest release, marks his first foray into this lineup. The excellent album features Redman along with a variety of drummers, bassists, and guest saxophonists on certain cuts, including his late father, Dewey Redman. Thursday night, he brought a trio to Blues Alley for two blistering sets of music that showed why he is one of the most respected jazz musicians of his generation.

The evening began with Redman telling an amusing story of his battles with lost luggage and his worrying that he would not have any clothes for his performance. Though we are not fashion experts, it is probably a good thing the luggage arrived as he was looking quite dapper in a tailored, and expensive looking, white shirt with gray slacks and shiny black shoes. His telling the story illustrates one of the factors that set him apart from many of today’s jazz performers. While many musicians remain distant, this band had fun playing and recognized that a player can crack a joke or flash a smile without sacrificing musical integrity. This sense of fun translated to the music, as the uptempo numbers were joyful, not aggressive. Even the ballads and more introspective pieces were contemplative and wistful without being mournful and melancholic. It is refreshing to see musicians who remember that music is not worked, it is played.

Photo taken from Joshua Redman’s MySpace page