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Russ Johnson: Meeting Point
ByThe frontline wields a magical and highly interactive sequence of musical events that seamlessly bridge the gap between hardcore free style improv and well-defined song forms. Check out the loping pulse drummer Tim Daisy lays down on "Lithosphere," enamored by punchy horns choruses and a homogenous blend of old school jazz, coupled with gruff, ballsy soloing and wily expansion tactics. Nonetheless, the musicians keep their creative juices flowing on a per track basis, abetted by the rhythm section's sprightly cadences and a surfeit of the hornists' fervent dialogues, sprinkled with more than a few emotive upheavals.
One of three pieces titled "Conversation," the fifth track is built with extended notes and a convergence between Johnson and bass clarinetist Jason Stein amid counterbalancing statements. Elsewhere, quintet rides the crest of a wave during cool bop vamps, formed with meaty intonations; however, "Chaos Theory" is a tour-de-force as the trumpeter and clarinetist execute spinning unison lines and breakouts atop an off-center groove via bursting notes and a downward spiral. Here, they engineer a dazzling motif only to deconstruct it, leading to the rambunctious bridge section. And they close the program with a slow dirge on "Half Full," as Stein's buoyant phrasings and Johnson's muted notes impart a touch of pathos, while transforming matters into a slow rock vamp towards the coda. Hence, Johnson and associates knock it out of the park on this fine outing.
Track Listing
Lithosphere; Confluence – Introduction; Confluence – Part I; Confluence – Part II; Conversation;; Clothesline; Conversation; Chaos Theory; Conversation; Half Full.
Personnel
Russ Johnson
trumpetRuss Johnson: trumpet; Jason Stein: bass clarinet; Anton Hatwich: bass; Tim Daisy: drums.
Album information
Title: Meeting Point | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Relay
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