On April 23, 2017, bassist Scott Colley led a remarkable quartet at the Village Vanguard, featuring trumpeter Ralph Alessi, pianist Jon Cowherd, and drummer Nate Smith. This performance was part of Colley's tour promoting his album Seven, released in July 2017. The album introduced his new project, Current, a quartet with trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, pianist Kevin Hays, and drummer Nate Smith. Seven showcased compositions like "Fragment" and "The Return," blending intricate modernism with evocative ballads such as "Bridge of Dawn" and "Legacy." (music.apple.com)
The collaboration between Colley and Alessi was particularly noteworthy. Their previous work together includes the 2007 album Architect of the Silent Moment, which featured a quartet with Alessi, pianist Craig Taborn, and drummer Antonio Sánchez. This album was praised for its cohesive and purposeful compositions, with All About Jazz noting its "unequivocal sense of purpose" and ample room for individual expression. (en.wikipedia.org)
While specific reviews of the April 2017 performance are not readily available, the ensemble's collective experience and the anticipation surrounding Seven suggest that the concert was a significant event, highlighting the synergy between Colley, Alessi, Cowherd, and Smith.
