Dec 27 2017
Best of 2017 #14: Amir ElSaffar Rivers of Sound – “Not Two” (New Amsterdam)
The fact that Amir ElSaffar seemed to have been building to this moment makes the result no less stunning or the statement any less epic. Where past recordings gave the impression of modern jazz and Middle Eastern musics locked in dance, a give and take of lead and follow, with Not Two, the musics are as one, as if a strong embrace led to a new degree of unity. The trumpeter grows his Two Rivers Ensemble into the 17-strong Rivers of Sound orchestra, with the effect being that the overall sound is given a greater weight, but that the nuances can be more fully explored without straying from the guiding vision. ElSaffar’s orchestra makes it seem like an everyday occurrence for oud and saxophones, buzuk and trumpet, and santur and cello to mingle in the same crowd and communicating in their own, unique languages while transmitting a communal meaning. They also display a nifty talent for adding layers in a way that creates thrilling surges of intensity. There are moments on this album that are as powerful as anything that came out in 2017.
Music from NYC.
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There is a supreme joyfulness to this collaboration between Jeremy Danneman and Sophie Nzayisenga. Danneman’s saxophone and Nzayisenga’s inanga (a ten-stringed instrument similar to a zither or kora) dance around in circles, their delightful motions as enchanting rhythmically as they are melodically. Honey Wine is upbeat and conversational, and all the same, this blend of jazz and folk has a calm demeanor that borders on soothing at times. And, thankfully, it shows a willingness to rear back and roar up to the skies when the moment calls for it. The bass and drums of William Parker and Tim Keiper snap right into place with this dynamic, and the result is a rich personality that crackles with life. This is an instance where doing something very different sounds as normal as a beating heart.
There’s a huge presence to the latest from Fabian Almazan and his ensemble Rhizome. The pianist’s theme of the individual’s connection to the environment plays out across a nine-movement suite, and its diverse mix of influences and instrumentation leads to heavy imagery and a sweeping grandeur. In particular, the vocal contributions from Camila Meza create a harmonic environment highly conducive to soaring melodies, and a string section that includes site-favorite Tomoko Omura adds a majestic quality to send those melodies even higher. It would appear from the very start, Alcanza had its sights set of a very high plateau. It’s not really a question of whether it was achieved, because the true joy of this album is experienced by the way it takes flight. That journey leads to a wealth of thrilling moments.
It’s truly amazing how violinist Sam Bardfeld is able to thread the needle at the point where avant-garde, modern jazz and chamber come together. The nature of the lyricism of The Great Enthusiasms is one of curious melodies, volatile bursts of intensity, and a sardonic wit. The trio of Bardfeld, pianist Kris Davis and drummer Michael Sarin somehow roll out this concoction of tones and influences in a way that is remarkably embraceable. If one were to create a soundtrack for a printed collection of The Far Side comic strips, this is likely how it would sound.
Dec 27 2017
Best of 2017 #11: Paul Jones – “Clean” (Outside In Music)
Music from NYC.
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By davesumner • Recap: Best of 2017 • 6 • Tags: Jazz - Best of 2017, New York City, Outside In Music, Paul Jones