Thomas Lehn & Gerry Hemingway: Tom & Gerry

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: January 1, 2001

Drummer/composer and noteworthy modern jazz group leader, Gerry Hemingway and synthesizer expert Thomas Lehn take the listener on a sinuous path down dark alley’s and surreal soundscapes on this cleverly articulated 2 CD set, simply titled, Tom & Gerry.

On pieces such as “W2” and “W3” the duo produces enigmatic sounds and temporal themes in this electro-acoustic potpourri of odd metered rhythmic sequences, counterbalancing motifs and contrasting tonalities as Lehn’s meaty analogue synths lay the foundation for curiously interesting dialogue and the often bizarre discourses. Here, it is up to the listener to discern what the connotations are; however, this recording presents us with a feast for the psyche, consisting of hypnotic patterns, expertly improvised motifs amid halcyon frameworks and fragmented statements witnessed on pieces such as “D1.2” and others.

Basically, Hemingway provides a staggered pulse as Lehn pursues minimalist notions while a distinct sense of calm urgency coincides with chaotic developments. With this release, the duo provides the backdrop for a science fiction type atmosphere as timelessness, bliss, acute improvisation and intuitive interplay come to the forefront through the imaginative realizations and complex overtures bestowed upon us by Tom & Gerry. Highly recommended!

* * * * ½ (Out of * * * * *)

Erstwhile Records

Track Listing: Disc 1: 1) W2 2) W3 3) W5.2 4) W4.5 5) W1.1 6) W7 7) W4.6

Personnel: Thomas Lehn; analogue synthesizer: Gerry Hemingway; drums & percussion

Record Label: Erstwhile Records
Style: Modern Jazz