Reptet: Reptet (2003)

Michael P. Gladstone

Senior Contributor since 2003

I came out of my musical hibernation circa 1960 and hit the streets for a new education on the past, present and future.

Recent articles (532 total)

Published: February 10, 2004

Reptet is a Seattle-based quartet that was dates back to 1999, when drummer John Ewing began to assemble its other members, a process that continued over the course of the next two years. The group prides itself upon their eclectic repertoire, featuring compositions by outside musicians such as Horace Tapscott and Misha Mengelberg.

Despite the above claim, I find the material to be largely right down the middle. There are two tracks earmarked as geared for "outside" radio play, sounding more like minimalist music than anything else. Ironically, the Mengelberg composition is not included as part of that category. "The Gears" written by jazz electronica pioneer Gil Melle recalls the not-so-wonderful days of fusion per the electronic manipulations of keyboardist Stefan Nelson on Fender Rhodes. There is a Monk tune ("Introspection") and ten original compositions, largely played at a nice mid-tempo pace.

The melody chores are largely carried by sax/flutist Tobi Stone, who seems to have an attractive way with the respective melodies. Nelson also contributes on piano with solos and comping. I especially liked the last few tracks, "Distant Distorted You," "Stroll" and "Introspection." Let's see what the next effort is and whether Reptet will market itself in the same manner.

Track Listing: After Before, The Gears, Open to Morning, Inspired Strut, Already Afternoon, A Bit Nervous, The Sun is Beautiful, Resigned to Evening, Distant Distorted you, Stroll, Introspection, Mother Night.

Personnel: Tobi Stone, flute,tenor sax; Stefan Nelson, piano Fender Rhodes, melodica; Evan Flory-Barnes, bass; John Ewing,percussion.

Record Label: Monktail Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream