Us 5 is a hot new two-drum quintet led by veteran saxophonist Joe Lovano. This live performance of “Big Ben” is more straightforward and beboppish than most of the tracks on the band’s new CD, Folk Art (Blue Note Records). But Lovano really goes to town on the Aulochrome, a unique double-soprano saxophone with an exotic, almost cartoonish tone. Also check out Esperanza Spalding’s aggressive bass solo in the second half.
The group also features drummers Francisco Mela and Otis Brown III, as well as pianist James Weidman. Enjoy!