Osby recorded Inner Circle in 1999 but chose to postpone its release until 2002, for artistic reasons. Save for Tarus Mateen in place of Lonnie Plaxico, the disc boasts the same lineup as Jason Moran's debut, Soundtrack to Human Motion, and a similar temperament as well. Each piece has its own unique logic, whether it's the meticulously plotted pauses of "Entruption," the dizzying, impenetrable matrix of "Fragmatic Decoding," or the round robin of unaccompanied solos that constitutes "The Inner Circle Principle." Osby has a characteristic way with stealthy, walking lines and harmonies; it comes through most clearly on "Equalatogram" and "Sons of the Confidential." His reading of Björk's "All Neon Like" anticipates what Moran would soon do, on Facing Left, with "Jöga." And his cover of Mingus' classic "Self-Portrait in Three Colors" is faithful to the original, coming at the end like a dessert. It's a relatively short program, but a comprehensive and highly creative one. - David R. Adler
Jazz fans searching for a quintessential forward-thinking artist should look no further than the musical musings of Mr. Greg Osby. He's an artist who will not be satisfied with the status quo. Distinguished as an alto saxophone stylist, his voice is unique and easily recognizable among the masses. His recordings of the past few years have all been modern exercises in jazz music that are entertaining, cerebral, and illuminating. As any successful visionary, he has surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who continue to push the envelope of jazz; such as piano extraordinaire Jason Moran and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. His previous recording Symbols of Light (A Solution), which implemented a string quartet into his eclectic mix, was one of 2001's top jazz picks.
Inner Circle continues on the same high level that Osby has been operating at throughout his career. His music is progressively expanding into new boundaries on the ubiquitous jazz theme. It swings, grooves and moves with a distinctive style. The recording features Osby originals with covers by Euro-Pop sensation Bjork and famous bassist Charles Mingus. The title Inner Circle could easily refer to one of the tightest set of young musicians paving the jazz path today. The musicians have been featured on recordings by Jason Moran and Stefon Harris. Bassist Taurus Mateen and drummer Eric Harland comprise one of the most dynamic and talented rhythm sections on the scene today. Osby and Moran have formed a unique and wonderful symbiosis over the past few years that allows for freedom and expression with wide possibilities. Stefon Harris' vibe work just keeps getting better. All the compositons are creative with odd patterns and complex arrangements that never leave the listener too far, and will also encourage a deeper appreciation for the art form. The many highlights include the circuitous and hypnotic "Fragment Decoding" and the brilliant "Inner Circle Principle" with its memorable solos expressed by each musician. With Osby at the helm, one can only anticipate the next move in his forward progression. - Mark F. Turner
Tracks
01. Entruption (Greg Osby)
02. Stride Logic (Greg Osby)
03. Diary Of The Same Dream (Greg Osby)
04. Equalatogram (Greg Osby)
05. All Neon Like (Björk)
06. Fragmatic Decoding (Greg Osby)
07. The Inner Circle Principle (Greg Osby)
08. Sons Of The Confidential (Greg Osby)
09. Self-Portrait In Three Colors (C. Mingus)
GREG OSBY alto saxophone
JASON MORAN piano
STEFON HARRIS vibraphone
TARUS MATEEN bass
ERIC HARLAND drums
Recorded April 22 & 23, 1999 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY
Blue Note - 7243 4 99871 2 8