High Pulp is a nice asset to jazz ★★★☆☆

In the last few years in Seattle jazz collective High Pulp a special group of musicians has gathered around the drummer Bobby Granfelt. He is the heart of the band and records Pursuit of EndsHigh Pulp’s first album for Anti-Recordsemphatically leading the way with rhythms that effortlessly fuse hip-hop with bebop and other classical jazz.

Jazz is a broad term for High Pulp, what else could you want with band members who come from indie rock, metal and funk. The mixed bag of players and influences is somewhat reminiscent of Snarky Puppy, which breathed a breath of fresh air through jazz years ago under the leadership of bassist Michael League.

Even for High Pulp it is still a bit of a search for its own sound. But when they get help from guest musicians, you jump right in. Jaleel Shaw enters on alto sax All Roads Lead to Los Angeles clever battle with Granfelt’s frenetic rhythm. Harpist Brandee Young gives it some mess wax hands with a nice intro shape. Also very nice how trumpet player Theo Croker takes on Granfelt, two keyboard players and saxophone in the final piece and has them all take a step back. Out of awe perhaps, but that is not necessary. High Pulp is a fine asset to jazz.