Space Whale Orchestra: Born into Beauty

The Philadelphia based Space Whale Orchestra is a collaborative improvisational quartet that has been successfully forging a singular style. Led by keyboardist Erica Corbo, the group's Born Into Beauty goes beyond conceptual cohesiveness—it is, in fact, a single, spontaneously created, 17-part suite.

The band members perform this stimulating, genre defying work with sensitivity and panache. On the opening title track, trombonist Connor Przybyszewski sets a tense and introspective mood with reverberating vamps. As saxophonist Steve Davit and clarinetist Mick Ricereto enter, a contemplative and poetic three-way conversation ensues. This ambience permeates the entire album.

Cinematic lyricism ebbs and flows throughout the recording. "Pulse flow," for instance, starts off with hand claps, taps and wordless vocals. Into this intriguing melee, Corbo peppers crisp piano chords and each of the other musicians contribute brief, crystalline phrases. As the tune progresses, the collective extemporization wavers between melancholic and mellifluous and passionately angular. The atmospheric, multilayered drone from the band blows like an expectant wind in which Corbo's keys chime with bittersweet tones.

The music hints at jazz not only because of its improvised nature but also because of abundant bluesy and boppish hints. For instance, on "Until the sunbreak,'' Corbo's soulful pianism shimmers with indigo hues while the horns' squawks, wails and honks are reminiscent of an after-hours jam session.

There are also definite western classical influences. As an example "Those who knew nothing (TEN22)," with Corbo's arpeggios and Przybyszewski buttery, symphonic boom, is filled with contemporary chamber motifs. Davit's sinewy, serpentine saxophone and Ricereto's resonant clarinet engage in an elegant dance. The piece evolves into fiery and delightfully chaotic repartee with Corbo quoting film themes only to return to the ballet-like exchanges between Davit and Ricereto. Przybyszewski, with his muted growl, adds darkly hued intrigue to the concluding refrains that seamlessly merge with "Particle dance" that follows.

Both thought provoking and accessible, Born Into Beauty is an aural treat. The inventive and synergistic ensemble of intrepid artists balances individual virtuosity with a captivating collective sound.

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