Three Of Us Are From Houston and Reuben Is Not: CD

Saxophonist Walter Smith III pays homage to his hometown of Houston, Texas on his sophomore Blue Note album, three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not, the follow-up to 2023’s return to casual. The album’s wry title signifies the lineup, which includes fellow Houston natives – pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland – while bassist Reuben Rogers, who hails from the Virgin Islands, rounds out the quartet. Together they enliven 10 compelling Smith originals and an imaginative rendering of a Sam Rivers composition – all of which speaks to Smith’s ascending status as one of modern jazz’s most engaging talents of his generation.

Tracklist:

1. seesaw
2. Gangsterism on Moranish
3. 24
4. Misanthrope’s Hymn
5. Cézanne
6. 610 Loop
7. Point of Many Returns
8. Montrose Nocturne
9. Office Party Music
10. A Brief Madness
11. Lone Star