The title of this album probably implies universality. It was inspired by Montreal-based drummer Tommy Crane’s father, Nolan Earl Crane, a St. Louis hotel bandleader who was apparently “obsessed with the smooth jazz of the ’70s and ’80s.”

Crane Jr. gathered members of his regular quartet, added additional musicians, and rearranged the material, but didn’t want to change the essence. In this way, it’s a tribute to the father and the sound. Sure, there are plenty of musicians – and it’s obviously well produced – but there’s a sense of formulaic repetition running through the layered themes with their minor adjustments.

Crane’s drumming is energetic and purposeful, adding momentum with support from drummer Martin Ditcham and the congas of Elli Miller Maboungou, with which Simon Jermyn’s bass is closely linked. Some pieces start promisingly but then fade away frustratingly and unresolved. It’s a shame that pianist Edwin De Goeij is featured, as it would be good to hear a more extensive solo from him; the interaction between piano and what sounds like a clarinet really lasts a moment on A Moment Of Clarity, just a minute and a half. Alto and piano start to expand on Life Is So Much Better, but it doesn’t seem to go anywhere.

At eight minutes, Let’s Try This Again is the longest track and as it is the only appearance of tenor Claire Devlin, one would expect a solo, but it only serves as support for Charlotte Greve’s alto. Although the two have a chance to express themselves more towards the end, it remains understated.

Amherst Avenue’s closing credits are reminiscent of a TV theme; at times the music is more reminiscent of the background of a film full of existential boredom than angst. Lounge music for the cocktail party. Pleasant enough, easy to digest, but lacking in bite and determination.

Discography
Early 2000s; Italian Weekend; DMFAO; Let’s Try It Again; Life Is So Much Better in the Lounge; A Moment of Clarity Amidst the Fog; Amherst Ave (For Earl) (29.57)
Tommy Crane (d); Charlotte Greve (as); Simon Jermyn (b, g); Claire Devlin (ts); Martin Ditcham (pc); Elli Miller Maboungou (cga); Edwin De Goeij (p); Sarah Page (hp); Mishka Stein (b); Aaron Spicer, Sterling Spicer, Jones Spicer (v). New York & Montreal, October & December 2022.
Elastic recordings ER 012