Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Frank Gratkowski Quartet: Facio
Frank Gratkowski Quartet: Facio
"Evocation" opens with a quirky, staccato head played in unison while Gratkowski's clarinet floats above. The trombone eventually spars with the leader and the movement loosens with the rhythm section adding its own extrapolations of the theme, until it melts away into an atmospheric section that segues into "Moving Shades." The quirky theme returns in "Mix Up," this time with Hemingway playing over top until the ensemble explores extended techniques for additional color. Bowed bass and hushed reeds elicit spacious, quiet textures on "Seek," which slowly blossoms into the quicker "Rush," featuring burning solos from Wierbos and Gratkowski, over frenzied rhythm.
The transitions between sections are smooth and natural, despite the sometimes extreme sonic differences. "Interference" opens with warbling sounds and forceful accents, offset by the ominous bass clarinet. On "Low," a Hemingway drum solo builds into the aptly titled "Outburst," where each player makes a statement. The final movement, "Celebration," restates the initial theme, which sets up a rollicking, almost funky groove by the rhythm players before the pieces slowly drop into minimal, repeating phrases.
The musical range on Facio is impressive, for what is covered and for how seamless the musicians make it all sound.
Track Listing
Part 1 [Evocation]; Part 2 [Moving Shades]; Part 3 [Mix Up]; Part 4 [Seek]; Part 5 [Rush]; Part 6 [Interference]; Part 7 [Low]; Part 8 [Outburst]; Part 9 [Celebration]
Personnel
Frank Gratkowski
woodwindsFrank Gratkowski: alto saxophone, clarinet, bass- and contrabass clarinet; Wolter Wierbos: trombone; Dieter Manderscheid: bass; Gerry Hemingway: drums
Album information
Title: Facio | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Leo Records
< Previous
Christmas Time Is Here
Comments
About Frank Gratkowski
Instrument: Woodwinds
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To