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Daniel Rorke: Naked Allies
ByAll seven tracksfive by Rorke and two by Jacobsonwere recorded in New York's Figure 8 Studios in a single daya brisk session resulting in takes brimming with energy and spontaneity. Yet the brio in the quartet's play goes hand in hand with closely choreographed interplay. On the title track, for example, the horns' unison motif becomes a tight, three-part melody when Jermyn joins in. This precision contrasts with the freedom in Noriega and Rorke's respective solos, which flow freely over bubbling bass and effervescent drums.
The abstract intro of Jacobson's "I'm Benter" sees both saxophonists stretch out over arhythmic stirrings. As though obeying gravitational pull, however, a solid groove kicks in, pulling tenor and alto into the rhythmic vortex. Thereafter, horns splice melodically and remain inseparable until the punchy ending. Jacobson and Jermyn carve out another absorbing rhythm on "Shitbearder," a slippery number that deals in cyclical motifs, shifting tempi and overlapping saxophone explorations. Resolution comes with the familiar pattern of a unison line.
The pattern of alternating unison lines and solos is upended on a triptych of slower numbers. On the lullaby-esque "BK" Noriegaon bass clarinetand Rorke fashion caressing lines of harmonic depth over spare bass and rustling percussion. "Dorothy" is almost as leisurely; tenor and alto saxophones relay the melodyfollowing mazy detours-as Jacobson's drums come increasingly to the fore. "Holy Cyan" sees Jacobson switch between brushes and sticks as tenor and alto swap the lead. Both Noriega and Rorke deliver measured solos of great lyricism, but the real beauty lies in the rich harmonics formed by horns and bass, joined in the final breath by Jacobson's sighing cymbals.
Horns return to unison duties on "Malabar," a lively romp founded on Jermyn's funky bass ostinato and Jacobson's driving rhythms. Drums and bass sit out for a New York minute as the horns gently dovetaila brief pause before the rhythm engine cranks up again, unleashing snappy solos and catchy unison motifs in alternation.
Naked Allies is an impressive debut. Sophisticated, emotive music that gets the juices flowing. Whether the musicians can overcome the constraints of geography and the demands of their multiple projects remains to be seen, but it would be a shame if this classy outing turned out to be a one-off collaboration.
Track Listing
Naked Allies; I'm Benter; Shitbearder; BK; Dorothy; Holy Cyan; Malabar.
Personnel
Daniel Rorke
saxophone, tenorOscar Noreiga
saxophone, altoMatthew Jacobson
drumsSimon Jermyn
bass, electricAdditional Instrumentation
Oscar Noriega: bass clarinet (4).
Album information
Title: Naked Allies | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Orenda Records
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About Daniel Rorke
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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