Beekman: Beekman Vol. 02

Jazz quartet Beekman consists of American saxophonist Kyle Nasser, Spanish pianist Yago Vazquez, Chilean bassist Pablo Menares, and Chilean drummer Rodrigo Recabarren. When you pop in their sophomore album and press the play button, you don’t hear three different continents fighting for dominance. Instead, you hear an accessible and easy-going approach to modern jazz. Too acoustic-oriented to be called fusion and too fluid to be labeled bop, Beekman is one of those small outfits that blend highly melodic elements with some deceptively intricate ensemble interplay. In the end, Beekman Vol. 02 can be as challenging as you want it to be. Do you want background music for your yoga? This album can do that. Need something more challenging? Just put your ear to the ground for “Something Unsettled” or “Verdict’s Out” and its corresponding introduction and you’ll be satisfied.