The Last Quiet Place features six adventurous compositions by saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, who is joined by Mazz Swift (violin), Tomeka Reid (cello), Brandon Seabrook (guitar), Michael Formanek (double bass) and Tom Rainey (drums). It is a bit out of the norm to see a violin and cello added to the typical saxophone trio, and here that decision pays off in spades. The violin and cello add new possibilities to the more melodic and subtle aspects of Laubrock's compositions and play a crucial role in the more aggressive moments. Like everyone else in this sextet, Swift and Reid are formidable improvisors. When the two are not in the spotlight, they can be heard fiercely shadowing jagged motifs or enhancing the atmosphere with menacing tremolos or gorgeous melodic playing.
Reid's stern bowing pairs well with Seabrook's prickly tone as the duo improvise in the second half of "Grammy Season," a strong tune with a fantastic off-kilter rhythm courtesy of Formanek and Rainey. Laubrock's frantic tenor playing and Seabrook's agitated style create a sporadic energy that quickly turns "Delusion" into a formidable showing of the sextet's improvisational chops. Even though this band is great at being abrasive, one of the most impressive moments of the album, the reflective title track, opts for something different. Seabrook gives "The Last Quiet Place" a mesmerizing light pulse with calm strumming that sounds closer to indie rock than what one might expect on a jazz album. Laubrock's soprano sax graces the track with beautiful mellow playing that is complimented extremely well by waves of strings that somehow feel serene and ominous at the same time. The Last Quiet Place is a very impressive recording that shows why Laubrock is a mainstay in the New York City avant-garde jazz scene.
