three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not

by Walter Smith III

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three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not
by Walter Smith III
Label: Blue Note Records
Released: September 27, 2024

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Walter Smith III’s latest release, three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not, brings together a dynamic quartet of musicians who share a deep connection. Three of them, including Smith, hail from Houston, while bassist Reuben Rogers stands apart. This playful title hints at the strong sense of camaraderie that fuels the album, where Smith is joined by pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland, both fellow Houston natives and long-time collaborators.

Recorded on Blue Note, this album is a celebration of both the band’s hometown roots and their shared history. From the opening track, “Seesaw,” the quartet launches into a freewheeling exploration of intricate melodies and rhythms. Smith’s saxophone dances around Moran’s fluid piano lines, while Harland’s drumming provides a fiery counterpoint. The chemistry is undeniable, each musician pushing the others to new creative heights while maintaining an effortless groove.

Tracks like “24” and “Cézanne” highlight the ensemble’s razor-sharp improvisational skills, with Smith and Harland locking into intense rhythmic exchanges that drive the music forward with energy and precision. The album’s softer moments, like the contemplative “Office Party Music,” reveal Smith’s more introspective side, where long, undulating tones and delicate phrasing create expansive sonic landscapes.

Throughout the album, Smith demonstrates his mastery not only as a soloist but as a bandleader who knows how to bring out the best in his ensemble. The bluesy swagger of “Lone Star,” which closes the album, brings the group’s journey full circle, tying the music back to its Texas roots. With three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not, Smith cements his place as a leading figure in contemporary Jazz, delivering an album that is at once rooted in tradition and bursting with forward-thinking improvisation.

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Personnel
Walter Smith III • tenor saxophone
Jason Moran • piano, Fender Rhodes
Reuben Rogers • bass
Eric Harland • drums

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