The self-titled album “Alliance” featuring drummer Colleen Clark and Sharel Cassidy is a bold musical statement. Supplemented by pianist Hannah Meyer and bassist Carmani Edwards, the band navigates through nine songs with power and grace. 

“Wingspan,” composed by Mulgrew Miller, swings with authority. Cassidy weaves a trance around the melody with her saxophone while the rest of the band a trance around the melody with her saxophone while the rest of the band builds build on the central theme. The result is a toe tapping, head-nodding alchemy which sets the standard for the rest of the album. Oh, Clark’s tight solo only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come. 

“Syl-O-Gilmore” written by Mary Lou Williams is a fantastic cover. Cassidy a standout contributor to Johannes Wallmann’s 2022 release, “Precarious Towers” shines, handling the melodic core with aplomb before handling of the theme to pianist Meyers. Meanwhile bassist Edwards and drummer Clark weave an intricate web of rhythm.  

Bassist Edwards contributes the fine, “Linger” . The slow burning song allows the band to stretch even further . Additionally her arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” gives the band substantial meat to bite into.  The album closer, “ There But For The Grace Of…” features the only guest on the album, Kellie Hanas on trumpet . The entire band shines with obvious enthusiasm bringing home a musical experience which should not be ignored.