Hearts Wide Open
Hearts Wide Open finds plenty of possibilities in clear melodies. Gilad Hekselman plays fluently and precisely, but his guitar does not constantly need to test the limits of speed. Bassist Joe Martin and drummer Marcus Gilmore supply movement and detail. Saxophonist Mark Turner adds a second melodic voice on some of the tracks.
Short whistled melodies give the record a playful beginning and ending. Between them, the compositions receive much more room. Hazelnut Eyes reveals the lively side of the guitar playing, while Brooze has a firmer blues and funk feel. Turner's saxophone can push strongly against the guitar without disturbing their connection.
Flower is quieter and especially melodic. The bass helps give the piece direction, and its restrained sound makes the tune easy to follow. Hekselman can state a phrase clearly and then leave room. That sense of proportion keeps the performance convincing.
One More Song demonstrates how well Turner fits this approach. Saxophone gives the melody recognisable answers, with a rhythm section that keeps the long piece moving lightly. The musicians do not need to mark every beat heavily to find one another.
On Will You Let It?, the guitar follows a freer, folk-like line while the drums mainly add colour. That space belongs on an album which finds its strength in melody and mutual responses. The longer pieces do require time; not every detail makes itself clear immediately. Hearts Wide Open works because technique never becomes the whole story. Hekselman writes tunes that support the interplay and gives the other musicians enough freedom to contribute something of their own. The results reward both immediate enjoyment and closer attention.
