With a first track as striking as “Radiance In Veils”, one immediately gets the sense that Cat Toren’s Human Kind’s Scintillating Beauty (Panoramic Recordings, 2020) is an album that will live up to its name. The tune is an epic Cat Toren original that moves from serenity to overwhelming force – in one instance in shockingly abrupt fashion. In its calmer moments, Toren’s piano is spellbindingly delicate, working particularly well in the company of mesmerizing chimes. Later, a fiery solo by saxophonist Xavier del Castillo is met well by energetic playing from the rest of the band. The high-quality on display will not surprise anyone who has heard Cat Toren’s Human Kind’s self-titled debut album, which featured the same band: Cat Toren (piano, compositions) Yoshie Fruchter (oud), Jake Leckie (bass), and Matt Honor (drums). Stephanie Rooker, who plays chimes, tuning forks and singing bowls on “Radiance in Veils”, is the only addition.

Toren’s band is more subtle and brooding in “Garment of Destiny”. The pianist begins the tune with a sublime solo that is particularly notable for gorgeous trills. The band creates a spacious atmosphere for beautifully reserved work from both Toren and Fruchter. It feels like an ominous calm before the storm, and after the first four minutes, Castillo is that storm. The saxophonist moves with a captivating twisted energy that leads the band into an impressive and dark conclusion. 

Considering the more expansive nature of both “Radiance in Veils” and “Garment of Destiny”, “Ignus Fatuus” is not what most listeners will be expecting next. However, with a relatively traditional structure that features an instantly memorable saxophone motif, it’s an excellent surprise. The band swings very well, and Toren is outstanding regardless of whether she is the center of attention or enhancing Castillo’s fantastic soloing. The bass lines are very catchy, and the creative conversation between the piano and sax is a joy to hear. 

Toren again leads her band into different stylistic territory on the final song, “Rising Phoenix”. The first half of the tune has Toren conjuring up a chaotic backdrop of sprawling descending piano behind Castillo’s powerful sax. The first half slowly builds, but the second changes things up and is much more immediate with soulful melodies. There isn’t a moment in “Rising Phoenix” – or the rest of Scintillating Beauty–  where Cat Toren’s Human Kind falters. Even though it’s only 40 minutes, there’s a lot to dig into here, and all of it sounds great. 

Cat Toren’s Human Kind’s Scintillating Beauty is now available on Panoramic Recordings

Tracklist: 1. Radiance in Veils; 2. Garment of Destiny; 3. Ignis Fatuus; 4. Rising Phoenix.

Personnel: Cat Toren (piano, chimes, tuning forks, singing bowls, rattles bells); Xavier Del Castillo (saxophone); Yoshie Fruchter (oud); Jake Leckie (bass); Matt Honor (drums); Stephanie Rooker (chimes (1), tuning forks (1), singing bowls (1)).