Guitarist Thor Madsen retains an historical rhythmic swing throughout his session of modern mainstream originals. His quartet stretches the boundaries. Improvising with serious purpose, the foursome carries a Thelonious Monk influence along an extrapolated course. Quirky and energetic, Madsen's music includes the spirit of our bebop forefathers, while blazing a trail defining the future of jazz. Douglas Yates carries a fluid, brass-like tone and a scissor-like articulation that matches Madsen's movements note for note. When stretching out, both embody the kind of freedom that we hope for in our everyday activities. One could easily lose himself in this session. And yet, the origin of each piece comes from Madsen's impressions of New York. Tension? Yes, of course, there is considerable tension both in New York City and in Madsen's music. Bird and Diz relied on the city's tension. Madsen's quartet forges ahead, with urban anxiety serving merely as its starting point. Ballads "Little Q" and "After the Munchies" explore overlapping tonal colors. Mallets and drones provide a backdrop, as the quartet provides a release. Most tracks move up-tempo and follow traditional jazz form. "Simple Song" summarizes the session with a loping, day's end, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" mood. Straddling the fence between creative improvised music and modern mainstream jazz, Thor Madsen's highly recommended quartet session combines a deep respect for the history of jazz with explorations into new acoustic territory.
Track Listing
Interference; Metal Hunden; Little Q; No Dancing Allowed (Please Mr. Mayor); After the Munchies; Crazy Dog Out the Window; Phobia; El Ni
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues,The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
