On November 30, 2023, the Mark Turner Quartet delivered an exceptional performance at the Village Vanguard, showcasing their intricate interplay and profound musicality. The ensemble featured Turner on tenor saxophone, Jason Palmer on trumpet, Joe Martin on bass, and Jonathan Pinson on drums. This concert was part of a two-night engagement, with recordings from June 18 and 19, 2022, released as "Live at the Village Vanguard" on September 8, 2023. (markturnerjazz.bandcamp.com)
The setlist included original compositions by Turner, such as "Return From The Stars," "Terminus," "Bridgetown," "Brother Sister," "Nigeria 2," "Lincoln Heights," "1946," "Unacceptable," "It's Not Alright With Me," "Wasteland," and "Lennie Groove." These pieces, many of which had been previously recorded on Turner's 2022 ECM release "Return From The Stars," were reimagined in this live setting, highlighting the quartet's dynamic synergy. (allaboutjazz.com)
The performance was lauded for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance, with critics noting Turner's evolution from a young saxophone virtuoso to a composer who seamlessly blends traditional jazz elements with innovative twists. The absence of a chordal instrument allowed for a more open and interactive dialogue among the musicians, as exemplified in the intricate exchanges during "Brother Sister." (allaboutjazz.com)
