Troy Roberts | Green Lights Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Troy Roberts’ latest album, Green Lights, is another documentation of his diversity as a jazz artist. This release, his sixteenth as a bandleader, showcases a blend of traditional jazz elements with contemporary sounds, creating a more ‘straight-ahead’ exploration and expression of his playing.

Inspired by the concept of “green lights” as a symbol of autonomy and creative freedom, Roberts draws on themes from Wayne Shorter’s documentary Zero Gravity. The album reflects his journey as an independent artist, exploring tranquility, nature, positivity, and darker themes like decay, rot, greed, and envy.

Green Lights shifts towards a more acoustic and straight-ahead jazz style than Roberts’ previous electric project, ‘Nu-Jive.’ The album features a dynamic interplay of jazz traditions, evident in tracks like “Green Lights,” where Robert’s warm tenor saxophone tone creates a captivating expression of groove and elegant modal centers, and “Solar Panels,” which highlights MacBride’s dynamic drumming and Roberts’ buoyant swing feel.

Roberts leads the ensemble with his creative compositions and robust saxophone, showcasing his rich tone and expressive playing. The acclaimed guitarist Paul Bollenback joins him, whose warm, full sound and innovative techniques add depth and texture to the album. The legendary John Patitucci brings his signature growl and impeccable timing on acoustic bass, providing a solid foundation and dynamic interactions with the other members. Completing the quartet is the versatile Jimmy MacBride on drums, whose fluid and dynamic drumming drives the ensemble with precision and energy.

The album reflects Roberts’ diverse musical influences, incorporating funk, New Orleans, and contemporary jazz elements. Tracks like “Jive Dumpling” highlight this synthesis, combining funk grooves with New Orleans rhythms and contemporary harmonic textures. Another example is “Up To No Good,” which evolves into a dynamic interaction between the ensemble members, showcasing the integration of various musical traditions.

Green Lights is another angle to Roberts’ catalog, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer and performer in a more straight-ahead manner. The album’s acoustic orientation and straight-ahead jazz style depart from his previous works, highlighting his ability to express himself in different musical styles and sub-genres. “The Scotsman’s Ballad,” a tender, flowing ballad, shows Roberts’ skill in creating a composition that resonates deeply with traditional jazz while exploring new sonic territories.

The album features a well-balanced compositional structure, each track presenting a unique narrative. “By Your Side” offers a beautiful waltz feel, providing a more traditional jazz perspective. In contrast, “Harry Brown” provides a modal jazz exploration, with Robert’s textured and evolving solo expanding upon the composition’s theme.

Roberts’ compositions as a set also have a flow, creating a cohesive story throughout the album. The dynamic interactions between the ensemble members contribute to the narrative arc, with each musician adding their voice to the unfolding musical journey. For example, “The Question” features shifting time signatures and sections of straight and swing eights, allowing the ensemble to showcase their versatility and command of the jazz language.

Roberts employs various composition techniques, from intricate melodic development in “Green Lights” to shifting time signatures in “The Question.” The ensemble’s intuitive communication and technical proficiency are evident in their ability to build musical settings with energy and direction. “Stretch Armstrong,” with its straight-ahead swing feel, showcases the ensemble’s interplay and deep listening abilities.

Green Lights is a testament to Troy Roberts’ ability to blend traditional and contemporary jazz elements, creating a rich and engaging musical experience. The album’s acoustic orientation and compositional depth are another angle to Roberts’ artistry. His ability to navigate different musical styles while maintaining a cohesive sound sets him apart as a leading voice in modern and contemporary jazz.

To fully appreciate Green Lights, listeners should engage with the album in a quiet setting, allowing the intricate interactions between the ensemble members to unfold. Comparing this album to Roberts’ previous works, such as ‘Nu-Jive 5’, will provide insight into his artistic vision and versatility. While ‘Nu-Jive 5′ showcases Roberts’ command of contemporary jazz with an electric and eclectic vibe, Green Lights offers straight-ahead modern jazz elements. This contrast highlights Roberts’ adaptability and ability to excel in various jazz subgenres. Roberts’ innovative compositions and the ensemble’s exceptional musicianship make this album a standout in contemporary jazz.

Green Lights

Release Date: May 10, 2024

Label: Toy Robot Music

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.