Everland Jazz return with their latest batch of gorgeously-packaged editions of some of the more overlooked entries in Strata East’s rich catalogue. Trombonist John Gordon’s second outing for the label as a bandleader is something of a white whale, even by Strata standards - only a small handful of deep jazz heads have ever even seen it with their own eyes. The main event, a 4-part suite, is a journey into the human carnal spirit that is at times ecstatic (Frank Derrick’s outstanding drumming on “2nd Movement”) and deeply meditative (“3rd Movement”). Gordon & co. are in top form on the B side as well, with Waymond Reed and James Spaulding’s dueling brass on “Ora Lee Tingle” and Gordon’s own horn acrobatics on “Blue Na” deserving special mention. Also worth noting is that Erotica Suite is one of a few Strata joints to feature synthesizer textures in the mix, definitely a rarity in modal jazz and never not bugging us out. Black vinyl pressing comes housed in high-gloss replica pic sleeve with printed inner sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Everland Jazz 2017

reviewed by nick nightingale 12/2017