Momentum 2: The Law Of Refraction

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: January 1, 2001

The improvising Trio, “Momentum” follows up their 1999 release with this new effort titled, “Momentum 2” - The Law Of Refraction yet here, violoncello performer Alfred Zimmerlin joins the band for what is basically a continuation or perhaps expansion of the band’s freshman outing. Essentially, the musicians explore stark, desolate regions of sound, counterbalanced with radiant proclamations as each player signifies a vital component of the overall vibe or desired effect. On the piece titled “Elastic Collision”, bass clarinetist Gene Coleman spurts brief popping sounds which correlates a distinct sense of time or implied meter for the rather busy dialogue produced by pianist John Wolf Brennan, drummer Christian Wolfarth and violoncellist Alfred Zimmerlin.

In many respects, it’s all about raw improv and seizing the moment, as the musicians often render expressionistic dialogue that elicits notions of improvised theater or choreography; however, the quartet surges forth with somewhat of a casual demeanor. Throughout, the listener will notice John Wolf Brennan’s succinctly stated block chords along with frenzied, fragmented rhythms and regenerated motifs as the band operates with a groove that bespeaks quiet urgency amid rippling undercurrents; although each subsequent spin reveals new vistas and previously undetected themes.

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Leo Records

Track Listing: 1) Instantaneous Velocity 2) Standing Wave 3) Elastic Collision 4) Simple Harmonic Motion 5) Force On A Moving Charge 6) Torque On A Current Loop 7) Constructive Interference 8) Relativistic Momentum

Personnel: John Wolf Brennan; piano, prepared piano: Gene Coleman; bass clarinet: Christian Wolfarth; drums: Alfred Zimmerlin; violoncello

Record Label: Leo Records
Style: Modern Jazz