Morris, Joe Wildlife – “Traits” – [Riti Records]

Primal, free jazz-nastics rooted in the post-bop stylings of John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman….from four accomplished members of the Boston music scene: Joe Morris (bass); Luther Gray (drums); Jim Hobbs (alto sax); Pete Cancura (tenor sax).

Six protracted tracks that stalk, mark and defend their sonic territory with finely-tuned abandon. Each movement’s name is effectively expressed in the dynamics of the performances. Track 1 is restless and bawling…Track 2 is pensive and meandering…Track 3 wanders, scurries, wanders…Track 4 is a hard-bop respite…Track 5 features a sly, camouflaged groove…Track 6 returns to the protective intensity of the opening track.

What stands out about this album is the subtly of each musicians delivery…this is palpably hostile music with soft, furry edges.