Sonic Explorers: So Far, So Near (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: April 3, 2003

Formed in 1995, the Sonic Explorers mold jazz’s modern mainstream according to established, down to earth principles. A healthy respect for tone, as well as a desire to make the listener’s journey fresh and alive, keeps the session on edge-of-your-seat territory. Trumpeter Jerry Sabatini wrote the music. Each piece stirs the listener’s emotions in suite-like fashion through timeless impressions. The band’s web site describes the music as “American modern jazz, Eastern European folk, Middle and Far Eastern classical music and Twentieth-Twenty-First Century Western classical music.”

That’s quite a load.

All the elements, of course, are there if you’re willing to let your mind roam a bit. The band’s web site also includes audio samples from each piece on the album. “Balkalla” has an exotic flavor akin to “Caravan.” “Advansor” wails in a popular Sci-Fi vein. Bassist Thomson Kneeland steers the third piece along beautiful arco lines; then, trombonist Rich Ardizzone and baritone saxophonist Mark Weisman steal the show on “Still Night Everywhere Reigning.” It’s a lovely piece that dishes out straight-ahead jazz in liberal doses. There’s much more.

Each of the artists displays impeccable mastery of his instrument. Sabatini’s feature on “Geraldo’s Hideaway” sums it all up. The band has taken its lead from the music of Duke Ellington and forged ahead. Passion and individual expression get their due. Several pieces produce images of distant lands and cross-cultural ties.

The music of Jerry Sabatini and the Sonic Explorers comes highly recommended. So Far, So Near is a can’t-miss opportunity.

Track Listing: Balkalla; Advansor; Negative Space; Still Night Everywhere Reigning; Geraldo

Personnel: Jerry Sabatini- trumpet, flugelhorn; Rich Ardizzone- trombone; Mark Weisman- alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone; Jason Hunter- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Nate Radley- guitar, electronics; Thomson Kneeland- double bass, electronics; Mike Connors- drums, percussion; James Falzone- clarinet on

Record Label: Nada Brahma
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream