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CD/LP/Track Review
Loren Stillman: Winter Fruits (2009)
Mark F. Turner
Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.
Loren Stillman's Winter Fruits is an impressive follow-up to the saxophonist's stellar Blind Date (Pirouet Records, 2007). The increasingly visible altoist has been spotted on a number of recordings including Paul Motian
Paul Motian
1931 - 2011
drums
's On Broadway, Vol. 5, (Winter & Winter (2009), yet found time to refine his own music. Through a couple of lineup changes with new members Ted Poor
Ted Poor
drums
(drums) and Nate Radley
Nate Radley
guitar
(guitar) and the return of Gary Versace
Gary Versace
organ, Hammond B3
(now on organ), Stillman's release maintains a stylized and highly substantive persona.
Dispelling any notions of typical jazz organ ensembles, Stillman's organ-centric quartet (also known as the collective called Bad Touch
Bad Touch
band/orchestra
) performs compositions that are denoted by an aesthetic of mood, darker hues, and lush contours that are uniquely atmospheric. "Muted Dreams'" lovely song casts the die with elongated lines as the momentum gently rises and falls, like waves on a shoreline.
The way the group interacts with one another is sublime; each voice counteracting as the musicians play an intense game of "cat and mouse" on the stealthy antics of "Skin." The instruments are like varying brushes on canvas—Radley's inquisitive string work, Versace's cathedral-like keys, Poor's powerful or gossamer percussion, and Stillman's exquisitely lush voicing—painting every composition in layered detail. From the isolated solos in "Song To Be Played" to the bombastic title where the organ pedal reverberates against a pulsating beat; reaching a sweltering climax. The recording's finale, "Puffy," is another jewel—a tone poem of breathtaking beauty.
When Winter Fruits is juxtaposed against Blind Date, the contrast is distinct. It is totally different yet retains Stillman's creative core. The art of reinvention.
Track Listing: Muted Dreams; Skin; Man of Mystery; With You; Like a Magic Kiss; A Song to Be Played; Winter Fruits; Puffy.
Personnel: Loren Stillman: alto saxophone; Nate Radley: guitar; Gary Versace: organ; Ted Poor drums.
Record Label: Pirouet Records
Style: Free Improv/Avant-Garde
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