Joe Morris & Mat Maneri: Soul Search

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: August 1, 2000

Soul Search represents the latest offering from modern day jazz/improv artists, guitarist Joe Morris and violinist Mat Maneri. ' Hence, we are presented with new music from two musicians who have placed their rather prolific identities on this scene for quite some time now and as they say in the world of prize fighting - - styles make fights!

With Soul Search, this union of two exemplary improvisers comes to fruition in glowing yet at times, subtly intricate fashion which becomes evident on the opener, 'Slight Of Hand'. Here, Morris' deft and rapidly executed blues drenched single note lines counter Maneri's low pitched attack as the duo pursues implied rhythmic accents and oscillating undercurrents amid heated thematic invention while utilizing time and space to their advantage. Without a doubt, the synergy between the musicians is startling yet this shouldn't be a revelation for their existing fan base.

Morris' fluttering strumming and Maneri's irregular or ragged phrasing on 'Eyes Or Gaze' emits an indirect sense of urgency or motion as the duo extends these concepts on 'Natural Number'. Yet on 'Micron' the musicians performs faint, delicate microtonal themes whereas they stoke the flaming coals on 'Forwards And Sideways'.

Throughout, Morris and Maneri exhibit amazing control and discipline whether performing somber or nimbly executed passages or when raising the intensity level into the upper stratosphere! All in all, the musicians engage a very special musical language that is characterized by their remarkable intuition, distinctive craftsmanship and cultivated improvisational speak. Recommended!

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Track Listing: 1) Slight Of Hand 2) Adhesive 3) Eyes Or Gaze 4) Natural Number 5) Versicolor 6) Soul Search 7) Flyer 8) Micron 9) Forwards And Sideways 10) Pluralize

Personnel: Joe Morris; Electric Guitar: Mat Maneri; Electric Violin

Record Label: AUM Fidelity
Style: Modern Jazz