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Nick Bisesi: Free Time
ByAll but two of the compositions on this disc are penned by Bisesi, and they highlight his diverse musical interests. An overt nod to Ornette Coleman on "Peace" makes it clear where Bisesi stands with respect to free improvisation. Unfortunately, the record is somewhat spoiled by the derivative playing of guitarist Pete McCann. It's a real shame, because otherwise Free Time has incredible potential. The guitarist taps directly into the individual tones and styles carved out by Bill Frisell and Pat Methenyto name two obvious examplesand it seriously detracts from the disc's originality. He copies Frisell's reverberant tone and spare Americana style on "Amused"; the 80/81 -era folk idiom of Pat Metheny on "Knee High"; and the electric swoops of Question and Answer -era Metheny on "Beatrice." One wonders where he's hidden his own sound! It's an unfortunate draw for a record which might otherwise have major-league potential. Despite Bisesi's demonstrated talent for improvisation and composition, he appears to have fallen short when selecting his bandmates. Future outings from Nick Bisesiin other contexts where his skills are utilized to better advantageought to be worth checking out.
Track Listing
Katja's Groove; Knee High by the Fourth of July; Amused; Avenue A Lullaby; Beatrice; Free Time; Peace; Trilogy for Alto Saxophone.
Personnel
Nick Bisesi
saxophoneNick Bisesi: alto saxophone, flute; Dave Liebman: soprano and tenor saxophones; Pete McCann; Sean Conly: bass; Owen Howard: drums.
Album information
Title: Free Time | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Hallway Records
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