The jazz played by the ex-drummer of Brad Mehldau - and the current one of Wayne Shorter - offers thoughtful, meditative beauty, long notes held on a kind of continuous drum solo, with changing dynamics, with solos dominated by the rounds and the quarter notes, without almost quarter notes, even less eighth notes. The sounds of the alto sax or bass clarinet (Melvin Butler) and tenor sax (Myron Walden) seduce, John Cowherd's smooth piano arouses reverie and everything calls for listening comfort.

The Fellowship Band was formed in 1997 and originates from the meeting of Brian Blade and Jon Cowherd in 1988 while they were studying at Loyola University in New Orleans. So far, The Fellowship Band has released five albums: Brian Blade Fellowship (1998), Perceptual (2000), Season of Changes (2008), Landmarks (2014), Body and Shadow (2017).

As the Fellowship Band has grown, it has moved away from overt traditional references, even though they're an undercurrent throughout. Instead, as it explores milestones both inner and outer, Landmarks further speaks with the singular voice that the Fellowship Band has built upon since inception. Blending folkloric references, hints of church and spiritual concerns, jazz modality and countrified touchstones, Landmarks is the perfect name for Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band's fourth album; beyond its meaning to the group, it truly is yet another landmark recording in the core quintet's evolutionary travels. It may have come after a long gap in time, but that only makes it a wait all the more worthwhile.

Cast: Brian Blade (Drummer), Jon Cowherd (Pianist), Chris Thomas (Bassist), Myron Walden and Melvin Butler (Saxophonists), Jeff Parker (Guitarist) and Dave Easley (Pedal steel guitarist).