This is a fascinating and well executed album by the collective group of Daniel Carter on alto, tenor and soprano saxophones plus trumpet, Patrick Holmes on clarinet, Matthew Putman on piano, Hilliard Greene on bass and Federico Ughi on drums. Recorded at the 2017 Forward Festival the concert opens with "Deluxe Light," which has a patient beginning where the musicians are getting their bearings, and developing a balanced and clear sound. The music is brought forth with passion and skill, with clarinet and trumpet balancing the crisp playing of the rhythm section. Carter is a wonder, cycling through his instruments as the music calls for them gracefully and playing each one with natural dignity, alongside cells of slashing percussion and vivid piano. There's a quiet open spot for clarinet and bass in a delicate duet, joined by spacious drums and saxophone that invoke the joy of the rising sun as droplets of piano notes complete the scene. They establish aspects of melody and then explore from there, ranging quite far afield, but never at the expense of creative expedience, as they approach the finish, the pace quickens, with cascades of notes and a subtle exhale. "Shine-a-Town" has a drum led beginning, with squalls of free jazz saxophone soon joining and the rest of the band falling in for a thrilling all out collective improvisation. The music adds space but maintains its freedom, the players invoking different shades of sound and volume, gathering like layers of cloud before an impending storm. Bowed bass along with the horns adds a sense of rawness and propulsion to the music which drives it forward, with propulsive piano and skittish drumming, they creating a very interesting and memorable overall sound. There is a yearning sound to open "Throne," with a relatively sedate piano trio flanked by crying horns, developing emotionally resonant music. Clarinet and saxophone meld well together creating a fine texture with the rhythm team to bring forth a beautiful collaborative feeling. The group is very patient, allowing the music to develop though its own fundamental means, and their resulting improvisation is compelling and enchanting, especially when listing to the way each instrument makes up a much greater whole. The music is fast and complex, but played with great refinement and poise, every note or passage has a meaning, and each is part of the crucible of creation.
Telepatia Liquida - bandcamp.com
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