MATT BAUDER & A DAY IN PICTURES - NIGHTSHADES
Maybe
the best work we've ever heard from tenorist Matt Bauder – a tremendously
well-conceived set, and one that's got the solid punch of some of the real
giants on his instrument! The group is all young and open-minded, but they work
together here with a soulful swing that's really unexpected – a wonderful sense
of energy that really grabs us right away, but also lets all the individual
members find plenty of space for their own voices too! Things are never too
mainstream, but have a groove at surprising spots – and in addition to Bauder
on tenor, the record also features Nate Wooley on trumpet, Kris Davis on piano,
Jason Ajemian on bass, and Tomas Fujiwara on drums. Titles include
"Octavia Minor", "Weekly Resolution", "Nightshades",
"August & Counting", and "Rule Of Thirds". ~ Dusty Groove.
Mats
Gustafsson tortures the saxophone – but tortures it beautifully, too – in this
wonderful set of solo tracks that mix tenor and live electronics, baritone and
music box, and some solo baritone moments too! The title's a reference to a
hilarious letter sent to Mats by Robert Crumb – who also did the lettering on
the front – reproduced inside, in which Crumb says that he just really doesn't
get this kind of music, or understand why anyone would want to listen to it
too! Yet there's a beauty and fragility to the record that honestly make it one
of Gustafsson's most compelling albums ever – especially the leadoff mix of
tenor and electronics, laid out over five famous Duke Ellington numbers – all
completely transformed by the process. Ellington titles include "Come
Sunday", "In A Sentimental Mood", "I Never Felt This Way
Before", and "Blue Goose" – and the set also features versions
of the Ayler classics "Angels/Spirits" and "Ghosts" – and a
22 minute take on Lars Gullin's "Danny's Dream". ~ Dusty Groove
ROB MAZUREK - MOTHER ODE
Rob
Mazurek has always been more of a multi-instrumentalist instead of just a
cornet player – but on this amazing solo set, he really pushes the boundaries
even further – by taking up a huge host of different elements and different
sounds! That soaring, spacious horn is still in the lead – a legacy that Rob
seems to have inherited from 70s Miles Davis, but taken to even trippier
territory – but the record also features flute, electronics, maracas, and bells
– as well as weird objects like books, boxes, and apples! Mazurek uses a bit of
distortion at times, which really helps unlike things resonate together – and
the set's easily some of his most personal, evocative music to date. Titles
include "Toward New Light", "Quiet The Thunder Bells",
"The Breath Of Life You Gave To Me", "You Were Born With Sun In
Your Eyes", and "Toward Enlightenment". ~ Dusty Groove
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