Five-Way Split: Modus Operandi

Five-Way Split is a London-based quintet that builds its foundations on the music of bands such as Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Max Roach Quintet and the Horace Silver Quintet. This throwback to the hard-bop groups of the 1950s and '60s is infused with the band's brand of contemporary charm as they swing through nine bright tracks that include original compositions and inventive covers.

One thing—among several—that sets the album apart is the quality of the compositions, provided by trumpeter Quentin Collins, saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos and pianist Rob Barron. They pull off the tricky balance of paying tribute to the past while modernizing the sound so it settles naturally into the contemporary jazz landscape, no doubt helped by experience gained from collectively working with luminaries as varied as Harold Mabern, Barry Harris and Stacey Kent.

Collins, Xenopoulos and Barron are just one part of the equation. Any album of this nature relies heavily on the rhythm component; fortunately, this rests with the extremely capable hands of bassist Matyas Hofecker and drummer Matt Home. All are among the finest contemporary musicians on the UK circuit and beyond; they formed the band during the lockdown period. As Collins explains: "Five-Way Split is a band born in 2020 at a time when performance opportunities were scarce, but creative energy was strong, by musicians with a shared passion for continuing the lineage of contemporary bop music."

Modus Operandi follows their debut, All The Way (Ubuntu Music, 2023). That album found its way onto several end-of-year 'best of' lists and earned a nomination in the "Best Ensemble" category at the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

The ensemble shows a common purpose from the outset with Barron's composition "Dr. Stol" revealing their consummate frontline timing as trumpet and saxophone combine on the melody before launching into their own fluid solos. The title refers to a backwards spelling of Lots Rd, the location of London's 606 Club . Barron's other composition also has a London connection; "Soho Soiree" is a classy, swinging affair with superb solos from Xenopoulos and Barron, backed by a gem of a walking bass line from Hofecker.

Xenopoulos' catchy composition "Two Little Alphas" is pure joy. Hofecker and Home make the Latin rhythms sparkle as Collins' trumpet soars, followed by fluid sax and piano, with the drums adding excitement to close. The saxophonist's other composition, "Pandora's Box," brings more imaginative and fleet-fingered soloing as they continue to find fresh approaches to the bebop framework.

Trumpeter Collins contributes three compositions, including the tight interplay of the title track which he leads with splendid, multi-note phrases. Both "Viennese Whirlwind" and "X.O. Buzz" (presumably named after the make of brandy) show the band's control at slower tempos. Collins provides graceful solos matched by Hofecker's sinuous lines as Barron adds Rhodes to the palette.

Barron does a fine job on the arrangements of the two covers. Henry Mancini's lovely composition "Dreamsville" has a relaxed and appealing flow, while the cool groove of Peter Nero's "Sunday In New York" is a carefree highlight evoking a different age.

The ensemble undoubtedly hit its target in terms of a tribute to the hard-bop icons. Their sound is perhaps less raw-edged, but that extra polish is a major plus, as their passion and poise bring a modern slant to this musical style. Ensemble playing of the highest order and an easy album to recommend.

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