Logan Richardson is the most significant musician to emerge from the Kansas City area in the past 25 years. As with most brilliant artists, the saxophonist isn’t afraid to take risks.
The partially unconsecrated Holy Water is a flawed gamble. The fundamental fault of Richardson’s new album isn’t the swampy sound or the liberal incorporation of R&B and rock.
In fact, those qualities are among the most compelling elements of Holy Water. Dishearteningly, the recording fails to capture the vitality of Richardson’s recent live performances.
While not without considerable merit, Holy Water is a recapitulation of concepts Richardson has previously expressed. Even so, it’s more than likely Richardson’s next artistic breakthrough is just around the corner.