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George Spanos: Reflections 2
ByThere are some standout compositions on this studio date. The festivities are launched with "Daydreamer," highlighted by keyboardist Leo Genovese's lush but haunting piano vamp, segueing to a circular theme with onetime McCoy Tyner bassist Juini Booth pushing the cadence amid circular patterns. Here, tenor saxophonist Lawrence Clark renders later-day Coltrane type extended notes, outlined with yearning qualities as multi-reedman / trumpeter Daniel Carter, performing on alto sax, provides a contrasting mini-theme via probing notes. Moreover, Spanos whips matters into submission as he prods the soloists throughout.
The ensemble's telepathic-like interplay yields abundant rewarding qualities with slowly rising improvisational segments, delicate shadings and broadly populated cadences. Yet "Night in the Bronx," is dappled by Carter's ethereal trumpet voicings within a fragmented ostinato motif as Spanos shakes matters up with a fluid and punchy pulse. They also venture into experimental funk vistas and a cyclical course of action during the mid-section, although "Step Down," is erected by the pianist's melodic hook and fluently enacted block chords, followed by Carter's emotive dialogues and a peppy bridge.
"Oblivion" is more of an unadulterated improv jam, whereas "Orpheus," offers a pleasant piano and bass passage, escalated by Genovese and Carter's fervent exchanges. Overall, Spanos' seemingly positive reflections yield a largely memorable outing that synchronously bridges the opaque line between hip, modern jazz and imaginative free-form articulations.
Track Listing
Daydreamer; Light and Soul; Night in the Bronx; Step Down; Oblivion; Orpheus; Unchanged.
Personnel
George Spanos
drumsGeorge Spanos: drums, compositions, arrangements; Juini Booth: double bass; Leo Genovese: piano; Daniel Carter: alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, trumpet; Lawrence Clark: tenor saxophone (1, 3, 6).
Album information
Title: Reflections 2 | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Self Produced
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