CD/ALBUM

Is this really Eric Harland’s first album as a leader? Recorded live in 2008 in Paris and featuring a stellar band including pianist Taylor Eigsti, the engaging post bop of Voyager: Live By Night is full of the drummer’s propulsive cymbal drive and turn-on-a-dime dynamics. Dig the rimclicking, chatterbox outro of “Turn Signal” and the tasty eight-minute drum solo “Intermezzo 2”—an ostinato workout displaying excellent chops, advanced independence, and inspired melodicism. Harland has been a regular choice for heavyweights like Charles Lloyd for years, but if you’ve yet to experience his top-notch playing, this revealing live album is a perfect place to start. (Space Time/Sunnyside Records)

Ilya Stemkovsky