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MONOGLOT: MONOGLOT
ByWhile led by Icelandic guitarist and composer Kristinn Smári Kristinsson, in many ways the group is defined by the dueling saxophones of Fabian Willmann and Sebastian Von Keler. It's very much an ensemble sound, so sometimes the horns play together in a traditional jazz fashion (as on the opening tune "Out"); other times they will take turns soloing while the other accompanies (as on "78"); and they also play together polyphonically (as on "Grandpa's Song"). Kristinsson also gets lots of solo space, but even those sections bring the horns back into the mix before long.
At times the influence of minimalism (could be Philip Glass, Steve Reich, or a more local source like Nik Bärtsch's Ronin) is also audible, especially in the linked closing tracks "Time" and "Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín." These tracks give drummer Luca Glausen and electric bassist Samuel Sole a more prominent role: neither gets any solo space, but Glausen begins both tunes alone.
It is notable that the group successfully funded the final production of the recording via the crowdfunding site wemakeit. But it would be right at home on a label like Cuneiform, sharing a spiritual link with Canterbury rock/jazz fusion.
Track Listing
Out; Þunnur; 78; Jón Leifs; Grandpa's Song; Song For; Brennivín; Time; Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín
Personnel
MONOGLOT
band / ensemble / orchestraFabian Willmann: tenor & soprano sax; Sebastian Von Keler: tenor & soprano sax; Kristinn Smári Kristinsson: guitar; Samuel Sole: electric bass; Luca Glausen: drums.
Album information
Title: MONOGLOT | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
Comments
About MONOGLOT
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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