On her eighth solo album, Gadabout Season, Brandee Younger introduces a number of new elements. All of the tracks are penned by the harpist herself — either solo or in collaboration — and for the first time, she performs on Alice Coltrane’s restored harp, an instrument once played by one of her most formative influences. The album title refers to a “gadabout,” a wanderer — and indeed, the music recorded with bassist Rahsaan Carter and drummer Alan Rednard moves with a quiet sense of freedom and ease.
Compared to the fusion-leaning approaches of her previous Impulse! releases, Gadabout Season takes a more restrained turn. The often-cited term “spiritual jazz” isn’t entirely off the mark — the music is at times introverted and contemplative. But rather than sounding like plucked prayers, what unfolds is a controlled, delicate navigation through the world: thoughtful steps, moments of pause, measured calm — all without ever losing the subtle throb of groove. The arrangements are sparse, focused on clarity and atmosphere.
Occasional guests appear — Makaya McCraven on percussion, Shabaka Hutchings on flute and clarinet — but even they blend seamlessly into the understated soundscape. No soloist egos here, just collective flow. These are good days for jazz with harp.
