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Mahanaim Satya/Art Hirahara/Alan U'ren: The Rhythm Section
These three fine jazz performers create an intense musical atmosphere on both, but not so intense that it will tire listeners. Much of the credit goes to pianist Art Hirahara who turns out to be the proxy for such leaders as Coltrane, Davis, etc. On many of the cuts, like Coltrane's "Some other Blues" he is much closer to Herbie Hancock than McCoy Tyner. On Vol. 1 Alan U'Ren's drums are as busy (some would say obtrusive) as Elvin Jones' ever were. The highlight of the first session is another Coltrane composition "After the Rain" where Hirahara comes close to capturing Coltrane's unique sonority of sound that was to characterize his music after 1963. At the same time U'Ren is doing his own thing with jagged percussive patterns and clashing cymbals. Quite an exhibition.
I found the group to be more relaxed on Volume 2 due mainly to the change in drummers. Spike Klein is less driven than U'Ren. This new found breeziness is reflected on such tunes as "Lazy Afternoon" and "So Near So Far". Hirahara continues to carry the major load on this CD as he does on the first. His rendering of Wayne Shorter's "Delores" is a delight.
Playing post bop rhythms at their very best, this trio need not align themselves with any rhythm section. Their work stands on its own and stands tall. Both albums are recommended.
Track Listing
Joshua; Some other Blues; Seasons; Lonnie's Lament; Central Park West; Count Down; Be Bop Quick; Moments Notice; After the Rain; Lonnie's Lament (alt. tk.) Delores; I Hear a Rhapsody; Lazy Afternoon; Night Dreamer; So Near, So Far; Fe Fi Fo Fum; Fall; In Your own Sweet Way
Personnel
Mahanaim Satya - Bass; Art Hirahara - Piano; Alan U'Ren - Drums Mahanaim Satya - Bass; Art Hirahara - Piano; Spike Klein - Drums
Album information
Title: The Rhythm Section | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Music in the Vines