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Product Description Trombonist Altin Sencalar is certainly a noteworthy new player "In Good Standing" with a solid and dynamic sound on his first release as a leader for Posi-Tone. Sencalar's impeccable technique and lyrical phrasing are on full display, as he effortlessly weaves together intricate melodies and harmonies that will leave listeners mesmerized. With support from Posi-Tone's house rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, the session also features several standout performances from saxophonists Diego Rivera and Patrick Cornelius both of whom make guest appearances on the date. With an exciting mixture of jazz styles, showcasing his virtuosity and passion for the entire genre, Altin Sencalar demonstrates that he is clearly a rising star in the jazz world, and "In Good Standing" is a testament to his skill and creativity. Review If you’ve been following the jazz releases on Posi-Tone, you’ve come across the name of trombonist Altin Sencalar in a sideman role on several releases. In Good Standing marks his debut on the label as a leader and his fourth overall as either a leader or co-leader. Sencalar, who grew up in Texas, and earned his bachelor’s degree from UT, moved on to Michigan State University where he made the connections that made him part of the Posi-Tone roster. At MSU Sencalar was the Graduate Assistant to Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker, eventually earning his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies. While at MSU, Altin co-founded the Sencalar/Glassman Quintet with fellow trombonist Chris Glassman and they released two co-led albums. His first album as a sole leader, released in 2021, is titled Reconnected and explores his Mexican/Turkish/Texan roots. Sencalar is now based in New York City. In Good Standing is a fine representation of Sencalar’s growth not only as a bandleader but as a composer, as seven of the eleven compositions are originals. As you might suspect, he is backed by Posi-Tone’s house rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston with appearances from label mates Diego Rivera (tenor, soprano saxophones) and Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone, flute). Given Sencalar’s Latin roots, it’s not surprising to hear so many Latin strains run through his material, beginning with the opener “Minor Mishap.” He transforms the tune into a Guajira, a different phrasing of the melody and more avenues for swinging over the form, which Hirahara and Rivera on tenor do very well. Even with the intentionally straight ahead original “Walk Around,” Sencalar can’t help but add a Spanish tinge, referencing that same Jelly Roll Morton this writer covered in the review of the Wallarab/Buselli Orchestra’s Gennett Suite which also broke this week. Lest we digress, Sencalar reharmonized many of the chords within the typically standard rhythm changes, forcing him a bit out of comfort zone. The tune is a feature for the rhythm section and the three horn front line takes it at a gallop, naturally leading to calmer moments as they render Wayne Shorter’s classic “Fall” as a quartet. Producer Marc Free challenged Sencalar with the composition, indicating there was no recording of it by a trombonist. Sencalar admirably reaches deep into the emotional contours of the piece, bending and stretching his notes. The full sextet embraces the groove on Horace Silver’s “Nutville,” another where Sencalar injects Latin strains. All three horns soar in their solo spots while the rhythm section drives a blistering tempo. They retreat to the ballad f for the original “Marina’s Arrival,” named for Sencalar’s wife. The tune carries a simple melody, but the chord and rhythm changes are more involved, featuring double time feel samba, among other elements. Naturally, this sextet wants to end with a grooving flourish as they do on Jack Wilson’s “Do It,” a simple riff that allows the group to romp and rollick. Sencalar presents a varied, exciting and inspired program. His debut is more than auspicious and has us looking forward to his next recording. --Making A Scene - Jim Hynes Following up the deeply personal Reconnected, an album that explored his Latin and Turkish heritage, trombonist Altin Sencalar opens the doors to the wider world on his third album In Good Standing. The New York-based Texan pulls in influences from mentors and inspirations and comes up with a rollicking, diverse album that leaks the spirit of jazz tradition. A skilled, melodic player, Sencalar composes and chooses tunes that reflect that sensibility, pulling in fellow players in the same mood. Saxophonists Diego Rivera and Patrick Cornelius, pianist Art Hirahara,” and rhythm section *Boris Kozlov and Rudy Royston hone in on Sencalar’s vibe and settle in comfortably. Check the Latin fire of the Chick Corea tribute “Homenaje a Armando,” for example, the New Orleans-spiced groove of Jack Wilson’s “Do It,” or the relaxed funk of pet-inspired “Navy’s Mood” – all tun