2LP Sexmob: The Hard Way

For over a quarter-century, the visionary quartet Sexmob has exploded all preconceived notions of what an instrumental jazz band can be. In many cases on the albums Dime Grind Palace, Din of Inequity, Solid Sender and Sex Mob Does Bond theyve done so with producer Scotty Hard at the board. On The Hard Way, Sexmobs remarkable new recording for 2023, the music skews decisively electronic, as Hards beats and soundscapes provide slide trumpeter and founder Steven Bernstein, saxophonist Briggan Krauss, bassist Tony Scherr and acoustic/electric drummer Kenny Wollesen all the stimulus they need for further composition and fearless reinvention.

Acclaimed pianist/composer Vijay Iyer guests on You Can Take a Myth, sprinkling stark sustained treble tones and abstract harmonies on top of fat processed bass (played by Hard) as the composition unfolds. John Medeski (of Medeski Martin & Wood) underlays organ chords and blues phraseology to perfection on Banacek and works atmospheric magic with mellotron, counterposing Hards evocative balafon samples, on Club Pythagorean, one of two tracks included on the bonus 12-inch 45rpm EP. (The other, Dominion, was created with DJ Olive.)