Setlist is always looking for an exciting new trombonist. Ryan Keberle is not new, per se; he’s been playing professionally for over 15 years. But he is young (36), and he is exciting—especially in his rhythmic conception of the trombone.
That conception is front-and-center in Keberle’s group Catharsis, a piano-less quintet that swings and grooves as nimbly as anyone, but on its current recording (Azul Infinito) delves into the eclectic pool of South American composers. Keberle is especially taken with writers like Samuel Torres and Sebastian Cruz, who mingle the traditions of their own countries (Colombia, in the cases of both the above) with those of the African diaspora. But while some of the songs they perform are languorous, lyrical and soft, it’s worth noting that those traits are primarily handled by singer Camila Meza and trumpeter Mike Rodriguez. Keberle himself, along with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Eric Doob, works the rhythms.
Catharsis performs this evening at 8 and 10 p.m. at Twins Jazz, 1344 U Street NW. $10 (cheap!).