Toronto (Ontario)

Here is some very good new music

CLT Trio – Every Second is a Blues (Self-Produced)

The CLT Trio come out strong with the minimalist expressions, so that even later when they ramp up the volatility to a boiling point, there remains a sense of a dark, quiet night where the silence is interrupted only by the occasional chirping of crickets.  What’s more, double bassist Casper Nyvang Rask, pianist Lars Fiil and drummer Terkel Nørgaard have given seven separate improvisations a remarkable cohesion.  The pieces each have their own personality, but the flow from one to the next are like consecutive hours all belonging to the same day.  Music from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp

The Marie Goudy 12tet – The Bitter Suite (Self-Produced)

The blast of harmonic warmth generated on this large ensemble session is by itself worth the price of admission, but it’s the subtle ways that Marie Goudy guides musicians to delicately weave their individual sounds into the flow of Jocelyn Barth’s vocals that represents the winning quality of The Bitter Suite.  Also, Charlotte Alexander’s contribution bolsters my argument that there’s simply not enough French horn on modern jazz recordings.  Music from Toronto, Ontario.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

Adison Evans – Meridian (Self-Produced)

There’s a straightforward expressiveness to the latest from Adison Evans that is seriously refreshing.  There’s nothing over the top on Meridian.  It’s got some tunes that groove, some that gently sway, others that bop along, and even some classical influence here and there… but all of it falls within the expected range of a modern post-bop recording.  But the saxophonist attains a certain feel with each note, the way some orators can make everyday words ring with a greater meaning and force to drive their point home.  That’s what Evans, her sextet and guests do on this solid recording.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Buy:  Amazon

Noah Preminger & Rob Garcia Dead Composers Club – Chopin Project (Self-Produced)

It’s Frederic Chopin whose name graces the compositions on this session, but it’s not always obvious. That’s a big reason for this album’s charm.  Some interpretations move with a solemn tone where others have a casual swing, while some turn the heat way way up.  In truth, not knowing the album’s inspiration or source material doesn’t become an obstacle to enjoying this recording simply on its own merits.  Tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, guitarist Nate Radley, bassist Kim Cass and drummer Rob Garcia offer up music that is often subtle, except those sudden moments when its revealed for everything it is.  I keep returning to this album throughout the year, and each time it’s a reminder of how affecting it is, like how photographs can return the emotional impact of the original experience.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

John Christensen – Dear Friend (Shifting Paradigm Records)

There’s a real sense that John Christensen was locked into a melodic inspiration on this session.  Right from the start and all the way through ’til the end, there’s an implication that every note is just an individual facet of one vision, and the bassist is simply examining it from every angle.  Aside from a satisfying sense of cohesion, the end result is music that is absorbing in that same way that staring into the depths of a clear lake can lock the attention endlessly in place.  The bassist is joined by pianist Johannes Wallmann, guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Andrew Green.  Music from Madison, WI.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon