Bob Gluck: And every fleck of russet

Julliard-trained Bob Gluck is an accomplished composer, religious leader, and academician. He is the author of two books published by the University of Chicago Press, You'll Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock and the Mwandishi Band (2012) and The Miles Davis 'Lost' Quintet and Other Revolutionary Ensembles (2016). Gluck has also written an e-book, The Musical World of Paul Winter (intelligent arts, 2019), and an ongoing blog. His musical portfolio is distinguished with highly original, multiple genre projects featuring collaborations with Aruán Ortiz, Michael Bisio, Andrea Wolper, Ken Filiano, Billy Hart, and many other familiar names. With a dozen releases as a leader, it has been decades since Gluck has released a solo recording, Electric Brew (FMR, 2003). And every fleck of russet returns him to an unaccompanied setting with splendid results.

The album takes its name from the Robert Frost poem "After Apple Picking." Just as the poem's theme is uncovered through a solitary reflection on life, And every fleck of russet moves through similarly insightful imagery. Armed with a collection of keyboards and electronics, the highlights are dominated by Gluck's expressive piano.

The meditative opening tracks, "Something Happened" and "Late in May," seamlessly transition through a bright electro-acoustic field anchored by Gluck's intermittent and supple piano. At eight-plus minutes, "Lost World" is strikingly elegant, and "Chorale" is a poignant spiritual. His technical dexterity shines through the complex textures on "Enmeshed." "For Now," the longest track on the album, closes the program. It stands apart from the overall collection with its intangible darkness and intoxicating temperament.

Gluck has been experimenting with synthesizers and electronics since the '90s. For inspiration, he traces back to those electro-acoustic roots and Bill Evans' multitracked solo piano album Conversations with Myself (Verve, 1963). "And Every Fleck of Russet" is a wonderful and innovative collection which effortlessly traverses boundaries and builds on multiple styles. The album features an extended mix of sentiments and structures, from haunting ballads to imaginative and shadowy pieces. Gluck wears several hats on this recording. In addition to composing and performing, he engineered and produced the album. "And Every Fleck of Russet" is an exceptional musical and technical achievement.