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Michael McNeill: Barcode Poetry
by Hrayr Attarian
Pianist Michael McNeill approaches music like an abstract painter. Thus his work is dynamic, multi-hued, and textured. The captivating Barcode Poetry, his fourth album as a leader, finds him expanding his palette with unorthodox instrumentation. His quartet includes, in addition to trumpeter Dave Ballou and percussionist Shelly Purdy, innovative pedal guitarist Susan Alcorn whose passing a few months after this music was recorded adds poignancy. “Timeigrant" opens with McNeill's percussive chords in a dramatic tone. Ballou echoes the ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeil, Emily Remler, and Miles Okazaki
by Jerome Wilson
This show features recent releases by Michael McNeil, Emily Remler, and Miles Okazaki. In addition, there is older work by Joe McPhee. Daniel Hersog, and Oliver Lake. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra “Night Devoid of Stars" from Night Devoid of Stars (Cellar Music) 1:04 Atlantic Road Trip “Upside Down" from One (Calligram) 9:50 Host ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill: Barcode Poetry
by Troy Dostert
Pianist Michael McNeill has pursued a number of projects since his debut release, Passageways, in 2013, each of which has defined his distinctive niche as a musician informed by both avant-garde and conventional jazz. On Barcode Poetry, it is the former impulse that prevails, as McNeill and his esteemed colleagues--Susan Alcorn on pedal steel guitar, Dave Ballou on trumpet, and Shelly Purdy on vibes and percussion--engage in lengthy studies in texture and abstraction rather than straightforward melodic expression.
Continue ReadingJohn Bacon / Michael McNeill / Danny Ziemann: Refractions
by Nicholas F. Mondello
The Thelonious Monk canon has proved to be fertile ground for jazz musicians' explorations. The reasons range from a sincere and deep appreciation of Monk's melodic and harmonic approaches to a sort of a quirky fascination with the eccentricity of some of Monk's off-center sounds. Pianist Michael McNeill's trio effort, Refractions, is less a hagiography of all things Monk, more the crew setting a musical challenge for themselves, then diving deeply into seven Monk classics. The result is an enlightening ...
Continue ReadingJordan Ponzi: The First Journey
by Nicholas F. Mondello
The First Journey from bassist, educator Jordan Ponzi is a classic trio side which delivers a kaleidoscope of textures, tempos, and superb playing. The 7-track recording packs plenty of punch and variety within—and it's a winner. Jordan Ponzi's eclectic compositions offer fine launch pads for superior improv and great ensemble interaction. “Sign Unseen" is a terrific opening cut that has McNeill's keys calling out over Ponzi's arco bass and ultimately takes off at white-hot speed. “Odd Shuffle" is ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Flight
by Hrayr Attarian
On his second release as a leader Flight pianist Michael McNeill elegantly embellishes his own intricate compositions with bold spontaneity. He imbues the melodic elements of the album with subtle angularity and maintains a strong lyrical sense even while flirting with dissonance.The contemplative “Za," for instance, has a crystalline harmonic structure within which McNeill has carefully woven silent pauses that enhance its intimacy. His sparse chiming keys and drummer Phil Haynes' low rumble support bassist Ken Filiano's eloquent ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Flight
by Budd Kopman
Michael McNeill and his trio (bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Phil Haynes) return after Passageways with the marvelous Flight. The first notes of “Placid Ruffled" indicate McNeill's classical background and compositional intent. The album is extremely well recorded, allowing, at least with headphones, for every overtone and their interactions to be heard clearly (especially in “Land"). This sound world envelopes the ear and prepares the way for music that lies between the purely abstract, tunes and sound paintings. ...
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