by BLOB_CASTLE

It feels dope to be listed alongside Robert Glasper, BadBadNotGood, and GoGo Penguin.

Here's the Review:

“In A Natural State” by The Sextet — To release a debut as compelling, organic and self-assured as “In A Natural State” is cause for celebration. When the group disbands only days after the record release show, all that’s left to do is play the whole album again and wonder at what could have been. This debut/swan song deftly manages the tricky balance between being a laid back groove record and a vehicle for emotive improvisation. Bassist and leader, Robert Castillo and drummer Dave Kelsay keep an ever percolating groove going with plenty of air to allow fiery solos from trumpeter Jared Henkin, saxophonist Morgan Quinn and trombonist James Powers. Paul Paresa switches effortlessly between acoustic piano and keyboards. Whether they are putting their own stamp on “Afro Blue” or riffing on expansive originals such as closing number “Moving On,” this is the sound of young players feeling their oats. In this moment, there is greatness. Portland never got the chance to know it.

Check out the album here.