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Aram Shelton: Arrive
ByAlong with Shelton here are Jason Adasiewicz on vibraphone, Jason Roebke on acoustic bass, and Tim Daisy on drums, and with such a talented roster it is hard not to expect outstanding performances from everyone involved. However, the album is not top-shelf throughout. Portions sag in a meandering mode that seems like a search gone awry, but conversely, there are also many moments where you may find yourself enraptured by that very same search.
Throughout the 45-minute album, the lead voices are frequently separated from the rest of the group and perform in open or minimally backed space. Though sometimes they seem to restrict individuals from really following their instincts, the compositions also allow them to take flight, opening up for more instantaneous composition. No matter the format, however, the pervasive mood is often solemn, a feeling that is almost entirely created by Adasiewicz's single-note, abstract style on vibraphone, setting the stage for his fellow musicians and especially Shelton's midrange melodies.
There are many highlights, but of particular note are ballads such as "Johann & Leo. Here Adasiewicz is once again in space, but rather than constantly playing tones that seem at odds with his surroundings or in music in general, he gently opens up a probing sound that eventually finds in him in tandem with Shelton, working together and responding to one another in a more understated mode. Even in the midsection of the song, where things become looser and wander in separate directions with nothing tethering them, they find their way back to one another and keep the listener interested as well.
Arrive, an album with potential, often comes off more as an exercise in composition worked out in the moment than a finalized document of a group of musicians and material. Without a doubt, bigger and better things shall come from these individuals. But Arrive is still an interesting and sometimes very engaging album of originals from these musical troubadours that does reveal more with each return trip.
Track Listing
On Time; All Dressed Up; Because of You; The Return; Johannn & Leo.
Personnel
Aram Shelton
saxophoneAram Shelton: alto saxophone; Jason Adasiewicz: vibraphone; Jason Roebke: bass; Tim Daisy: drums.
Album information
Title: Arrive | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: 482 Music
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