By Glenn Astarita
Orbituary Java Men (Ear X-tacy)
This organ-guitar-drums trio hails from Kentucky and melds funk-groove rhythms/motifs with burning dialogue along with the occasional display of tricky time signatures via complex yet harmonious arrangements. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets within this genre, Java Men have cemented a laudable reputation in the Midwest and Central Atlantic region of the United States. Strong soloing by organist Todd Hildreth and guitarist Craig Wagner only enhances the jazzy grooves and impacting rhythms spearheaded by drummer Ray Rizzo. Basically, this band deserves widespread recognition. For additional information check out their website: (Java Men)
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Sax Solo Sax by Blaise Siwula (self-produced)
One of New York Citys most enterprising improvisers, alto saxophonist Blaise Siwula embarks on a solo flight with this recent release. Siwula possesses a distinctive sound marked by his steely edged vibrato and sly utilization of tremolo yet the saxophonist is equally adept at soaring skyward with emotional depth or expounding upon traditional jazz motifs. For additional information visit Siwulas website at: (Blaise Siwula) or drop him an email: bbrjsiwula@earthlink.net
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... As The Sounds Of Many by James Newton & San Francisco Contemporary Music Players (New World Records)
Perennial poll winner, flutist James Newton provides a panoramic view of his diverse talents as he commences and closes this set with series of altogether mind-boggling extended solo passages. Yet during the midsection, Newton along with the versatile SFCMP performs a series of contemporary classical/experimental pieces that commingle percussion interludes with operatic vocals and strings. Here, the flutist traverses chamber-like paths via dainty themes and interweaving textures and even injects American Civil War era motifs on the piece, The Kings Way. Essentially, this teaming provides a glimpse or infusion of disparate musical genres coalescing for a series of interconnecting movements that flow rather nicely yet at times truly defy categorization.
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Solo by Misha Mengelberg (Buzz)
As of this writing, the fabled European modern jazz ensemble ICP Orchestra featuring the exquisite Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg is in the midst of an extensive tour. On this new release for Holland-based Buzz records, Mengelberg renders a menagerie of fragmented themes interspersed with the pianists mobile and altogether rhythmic left hand. With these solo piano works, Mengelberg once again displays why he has attained near legendary status as a brilliant visionary who possesses a sound and style that is clearly his own. Throughout, the pianist implements staggered rhythmic flows amid simply stated elegance and odd-metered variations of subtle motifs and lucid story lines. And if you thought the art of solo piano has already been conquered and perfected, then you may want to investigate the highly artistic world of Misha Mengelberg!
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Achirana by Vassilis Tsabropoulos (ECM)
Pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos, bassist Arlid Andersen and drummer John Marshall perform a series of dream-laden pieces that surge onward, in a quiet and often delicate sort of way yet the pianist merges Bill Evans-type harmonic development with mystical patterns all with an adherence to climactic development. Somewhat typical of ECM Records infamous recording techniques, Achirana is a noteworthy effort boasting a few twists and turns along the way. However, one of the heroes on this date is master drummer John Marshall who has performed with Soft Machine, Charlie Mariano, Eberhard Weber and many, many others of note. Here Marshall utilizes cymbals to optimum effect, especially as a complimentary instrument to a finely honed group sound. Hence, Achirana is an impressive and thoroughly appealing outing.
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