Ron Reider: Compositions in Blue and Other Hues

MESON RECORDS (RELEASED JANUARY 1, 2026)

Compositions in Blue and Other Hues presents a set of unfamiliar tunes performed by a group of relatively unfamiliar (at least to me) names in a very familiar format. The unfamiliar tunes are penned by Massachusetts’ based composer Ron Rieder. The unfamiliar names (except for bassist John Lockwood) — saxophonist Mike Turner, trumpeter Yaure Muniz, pianist Maxim Lubarsky and drummer Mark Walker — appear to be from Massachusetts as well. The familiar format is the classic hardbop sound of a quintet. Although Reider’s previous releases focused on his Latin American originals, Compositions in Blue and Other Hues is all about straight-ahead jazz — from the boppish refrains of “Dizzy Spell” and “Be Bim Bop” to the hip lilting waltzes of “Rainy Day” and “The Butterfly Waltz” to the lush balladry of “I Sing For You.” There is even a nod to Rieder’s love of Latin rhythms with “Coco’s Dilemma.” Except for Lubarsky’s modernistic solo stride on “Interlude: Amingus Amonkus,” the majority of the other ten tracks are familiarly formulaic — ensemble, solos, ensemble. Turner’s solos seem to float and soar through the tunes (check out “I Sing of You”), while Muniz takes a more aggressive and crisper approach (check out “Be Bim Bop.”) Whether he is comping or soloing, Lubarsky’s playing supports and sparks the soloists while his solos showcase his bluesy, soulful style. Lockwood, whose solo is the highlight of “The Butterfly Waltz” and Walker, who powers the burner “Java Mania,” provide the glue that holds everything together. Although the tunes and the musicians may be new to some of you, the overall sound will be quite familiar. It’s another competent straight-ahead jazz recording, but not an essential one.

BOTTOM LINE: My wife, who went to culinary school, often uses the word competent to describe a restaurant’s food that is neither exceptional or mediocre. Compositions in Blue and Other Hues is competent. Well-written tunes (and it is nice to hear someone composing new material in the tradition of small group hardbop) performed by a solid group of musicians in the familiar hardbop tradition. It is appetizing, but I probably won’t go back for a second helping.