Sunny Five: Candid

With the ever-evolving tapestry of experimental jazz, striking the perfect balance between familiar echoes and trailblazing sounds can be a delicate act. Intakt's latest release, Sunny Five, not only navigates this tightrope with finesse but also performs a dazzling dance across it. This album serves as a vibrant reminder of the joy and spontaneity that lie at the heart of jazz. Delivered by a collection of renowned New York-based musicians, each a master in their own right, the band offers a performance which is both intimate and expansive, leaving listeners with an exhilarating experience.

From the opening notes, it becomes clear that Candid is a celebration. While the group's name references the quintet's configuration, it also subtly hints at the radiant energy which permeates each composition. The ensemble delivers a performance which feels both intimate and expansive, despite the seasoned musicians weaving a captivating picture in shades of noir, a stark contrast to the surface-level brightness implied by the album's name. The atmosphere remains intriguing throughout, oscillating between moments of electrifying intensity and introspective contemplation. This dynamic interplay is driven by the 'supersonic extravaganzas' of guitarists David Torn and Marc Ducret, perfectly complemented by the complex and emotive passages from alto saxophonist Tim Berne.

The album unfolds as a kaleidoscope of sound, in which the rhythm section provides a pulsating, ever-evolving foundation. This outing stands as a testament to the ensemble's cohesiveness; each musician's contribution, while distinct, seamlessly integrates into the whole. The group masterfully strings together ingeniously eclectic movements, creating a unique sonic landscape with an 'uncanny charm.'

The journey begins with "Piper," an uncluttered exploration of experimentation. Drones, echoing electronics, and noise guitar textures intertwine with swooping saxophone motifs, all laid over a rhythmic foundation which embraces freedom, culminating in an enticing unpredictability. The album concludes with the monumental "Floored," a 35-minute finale which serves as a testament to the ensemble's creative vision and storytelling prowess. This captivating, quasi-apocalyptic piece takes listeners on a dynamic ride, incorporating a vast array of emotions and sonic textures, ranging from unsettling cries to soothing whispers, corrosive intensity to thoughtful contemplation.

From a production standpoint, the audio is immaculate. The meticulously crafted mix balances clarity and warmth, ensuring that each instrument is heard and felt with precise detail. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the listener's experience, inviting them to delve deeper into the music's intricate layers and textures.

In conclusion, this album stands as a shining example of brilliance in the realm of improvised jazz. It serves as a compelling argument for the genre's continued vitality and its boundless potential for reinvention. Packed with kinetic energy, an air of mystery, and an almost cinematic quality, this album offers a heroically exciting journey for listeners both familiar and unfamiliar with the boundaries of progressive jazz improvisation.

Comments