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Nu Band: In Memory of Mark Whitecage: The Nu Band Live At The Bopshop
ByWhitecage is in top form here, with a biting intensity leavened by a folsky lyricism; even during his most heated proclamations there's a generous warmth that makes its presence felt. Fonda's "Minor Madness" may be the best glimpse of Whitecage's duality: his upper-register potency is fearsome, but just as crucial is his deep sensitivity, heard during a richly-hued solo over the freely-roving pulse provided by Fonda and Grassi. All the tracks exhibit a tuneful dimension: Grassi's somber "Dark Dawn in Aurora" has a melodic poignancy explored to the full by Heberer, even once Whitecage joins in with a furious flurry; and Heberer's homage to Campbell, "One for Roy," sees the two horns in a sensitive dialogue with Grassi and Fonda, as the piece continually threatens to burst forth with energy.
Of all its strengths, the group is undeniably at its best when it finds its groove. Whitecage's "Five O'clock Follies" is a ten-minute whirlwind of free-bop, whether Fonda is locking in tight with Grassi during a tenacious solo, or Whitecage and Heberer are crafting their own sinuous statements, independently or in tandem. And while the first half of "Christophe and Ornette" gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit, Whitecage taking a turn on the clarinet while Fonda gets out his flute for a three-part horn conversation, the second half really takes flight, with Fonda's resumption of bass duties throwing out a driving ostinato that Grassi digs into with a funky fervency, unleashing fresh torrents from Heberer and Whitecage.
As Whitecage was essential to the identity of the Nu Band, it's an open question whether the group will soldier on without him. But even if that doesn't happen, this performance serves as an apt remembrance of his distinctive talents and his special rapport with these longstanding musical colleagues.
Track Listing
Prayer For The Water Protectors; Five O'Clock Follies; One For Roy;The Closer You Are, The Farther It Gets; Chirstophe and Ornette; Minor Madness; Dark Dawn In Aurora.
Personnel
Album information
Title: In Memory of Mark Whitecage: The Nu Band Live At The Bopshop | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Not Two Records
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About Mark Whitecage
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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