Is there such a thing as a jazz supergroup? Throughout the genre's history, legends would often play together in various groups under different band leaders, many of them delivering iconic records; something you can't really say about supergroups in other areas of music. SML could be considered a supergroup given the quintet features some of the best artists currently making jazz. Anna Butterss on bass, Josh Johnson on saxophone, Gregory Ulhmann on guitar, Booker Stardum on percussion, and Jeremiah Chu on electronics sure does feel like a dream and on their new single, "Taking Out the Trash," from their upcoming sophomore release fings all of the members sliding into tight grooves and free flowing rhythms that gel together for some rousing harmonies. The album's press release states:
“Taking Out the Trash” is a perfect pace-setter for How You Been, a punchy nugget encapsulating the essence of SML. Chiu’s percussion synth establishes the groove before Stardrum and Butterss drop in on a heavy breakbeat. Uhlmann comes in with a searing, plucked staccato funk line on his guitar that would give Glenn Branca and Larry Coryell something to high five about. Things eventually trip into a total breakdown, with only the perc synth still looping. When the band explodes back in, the key has changed, and Johnson is letting loose on a wailing, distorted saxophone solo.
Each of these artists have contributed to some pretty excellent records over the past few years and they're all bright stars in the International Anthem galaxy, but when they get together, their talents hit new levels and we're gifted something that sounds truly special.
How You Been is out November 7.
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