Mettle is veteran guitarist/composer Michael Musillami's sixth recording with his flagship trio featuring bassist Joe Fonda and drummer George Schuller. The music, including Musillami's first extended work, the eight-movement Summer Suite: Twenty Ten, is largely autobiographical, but the record itself celebrates the trio's 10th anniversary as a working unit. On Mettle, they form the core rhythm section of a new sextet, featuring special guests Russ Johnson (trumpet), Ned Rothenberg (alto saxophone and clarinet), Jeff Lederer (tenor saxophone and clarinet) and Matt Moran (vibraphone), created to fully realize Musillami's latest compositions.
Michael Musillami shows continued growth and new strength on Mettle. The tunes are all strong, the arrangements impressive and his playing shines. Yet, this is primarily an ensemble recording and he allows his six fellow travelers plenty of room to display their talents...an impressive CD.
— Richard Kamins, Step Tempest
Each piece in the suite tells a story, creating an engaging compendium of musical memoirs that you can listen to straight through in one sitting or tune in to at different times as separate pieces. Sweet pleasures are derived either way you choose to listen, thanks to the quality of the composing, arranging and the soloing and collaborative efforts of this happy band of brothers...the Gold Standard for smart, vibrant chamber jazz groups to measure up to.
— Owen McNally, Hartford Courant
personnel
Michael Musillami- guitar, composer
Joe Fonda- bass
George Schuller- drums
Matt Moran- vibes
Ned Rothenberg- alto sax, clarinet
Jeff Lederer- tenor sax, clarinet
Russ Johnson- trumpet
Playscape
