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M13: 1 Human, Too Human

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Track review of "The Cubist"

M13: 1 Human, Too Human
Chicago-based M13 is a thirteen-piece ensemble that projects a hip, little big band attack featuring many of the region's finest musicians. Led by saxophonist Aaron McEvers whose sprightly horns arrangements are often given a jazz-rock uplift by guitarist Chris Siebold, as the band invokes numerous shades of the jazz vernacular. They lash out into bracing swing vamps, streaked with melodic overtones and triumphant choruses, occasionally injected with moody interludes amid garrulous soloing sprees. McEvers even melds tricky, Zappa-esque time signatures into a few of his original comps.

The ensemble aptly projects a geometric outlook on "The Cubist," which is a piece designed with soul, blues, rock and modern jazz frameworks. They project assorted viewpoints within a flourishing panorama, treated with punchy accents via an often warmhearted, but forceful plan of attack. Keyboardist Paul Mutzabaugh's oscillating organ phrasings add a broad plane underneath the horns layered thematic constructions, leading to a yearning melody line, incited by Corbin Andrick's swirling sax parts and trumpeter Brian Schwab's sky-high solo jaunt. The band's resourcefulness shines through with prismatic aplomb as they close the piece with a gregarious straight-four rock groove. Overall, McEver's rather modish arrangements instill a nouveau schematic that upholds a great deal of interest on subsequent listens.

Track Listing

The Juggernaut; 1 Human, Too Human; Through; Footprints; Nick’s Tune; March to High Cromlech; Crayons; The Cubist; Red Wine.

Personnel

M13
 

Tracks 1, 3, 6, 7 — B.J. Levy: trumpet; B.J. Cord: trumpet; Scott Anderson: trumpet; Ryan Shultz: bass trumpet; Aaron McEvers, Dan Nicholson, Todd Boyce, Nick Moran: saxophones; Steve Duncan: trombone; Chris Siebold: guitar; Paul Mutzabaugh: keyboard; Tim Fox: bass; Rick Vitek: drums. Tracks 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 — B.J. Cord: trumpet; Brian Schwab: trumpet; Scott Anderson: trumpet; Ryan Shultz: bass trumpet; Aaron McEvers, Corbin Andrick, Todd Boyce, Mark Hiebert: saxophones; Steve Duncan: trombone; Chris Siebold: guitar; Paul Mutzabaugh: keyboard; Tim Fox: bass; Tom Hipskind: drums.

Album information

Title: 1 Human, Too Human | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Blujazz Productions

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