![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8so9Elyes385ndtwdF0Y7DqSEwVlZWnkNCX1GmxEpEJSCzd22dsGqnciaGaS5lBcO-NAfu_zCefMcj6S-jHm5lGFSSQtZ-1zWe1Z8vfP5GG_5OAUQ9atql6h2vkI8TW3U10y_sGEcadsU/s1600/Herculaneum+orange+blossom.jpg)
Happily, I didn’t have that problem with Herculaneum, which
has put out five albums over the last 10 years or so. Based on what I’ve heard,
they strike me as a freebop band—think the Jazz Messengers with a front line of
Sonny Simmons, Roswell Rudd, and Don Cherry. Orange Blossom features solid compositions by Dylan Ryan, the band’s
drummer/vibraphonist, solid arrangements using counterpoint in stimulating ways,
sharp ensemble playing by Patrick Newbery, trumpet; Nick Broste, trombone; and
David McDonnell, alto sax; and strong solos by all concerned. Ryan’s drumming pushes
the band to hit the ground running on the first track, Bears of Illium, a
pattern that persists throughout the CD. He also provides a subtle underpinning
to the gorgeous (but oddly named) Fuzball in Valhalla and Cry of the Locusts. Twin Unicorns is a particularly interesting piece,
with Broste, and especially McDonnell, taking compelling solos. Newbery shines on
Bears of Illium and Let There Be Neon, among others, but everyone takes care of
business throughout, as does bassist Greg Danek (check out Return to the
Woods.) There’s also nice guitar work by John Beard on Fuzball in Valhalla and
Andra Kulans on viola on Cry of the Locusts.
Herculaneum’s last two albums, Uchu and Olives &Orchids, are available in vinyl or download (woe the poor unhip CD
listener!) on Bandcamp. I’ll be buying both. To get a taste of the band, check out
part of this live performance in 2012.