Lex Korten: Canopy

Lex Koeten's Canopy is a project of different musical styles swirled together in a dizzying stew. It sounds discordant on first listen but ultimately this collection of jumpy prog freakouts, delicate ballads and misty ambience hangs together as parts of the same whole.

Korten creates all this out of a simple lineup of keyboards, voice, alto sax, guitar, and drums. The opening "Oasis Walking" feels like the work of an adventurous singer-songwriter like Sarah Scarbrough Mclaughlin or Beth Orton with a dreamy stream of voice and piano being invaded by shrill sax blasts and a cavernous sound mix. The following "Abyssal Sleep" is all violent, chopping guitar and rolling drums. That gives way to the manic King Crimson-like prog rock of "Air Below Sky" where Claire Dickson's supple vocal alternates with Tal Yahalom's fierce guitar and Korten's ripping piano.

There are also more delicate parts to the album. On "Talking Rain" Dickson whispers her vocal as David Leon softly blows alto and Korten plays tinkling chords. That is followed by "A Sunshower Vignette," where all the instruments stream together in an intoxicating blend of melodies, with Dickson and Leon standing out. The music slows down in the later parts of the album. "Solstice I" unfolds in a measured progression of piano and drums that gradually gets louder, an approach repeated in the hazy atmosphere of "Wind Chime Watching." and the spare drama of "make/believe" with Dickson's voice adding warmth and soul to the ethereal music.

This is a unique album. It draws from several different genres to create a profound emotional journey where every player contributes to the mix, with the weight of Yahalom's guitar, the dependability of Korten's piano and the humanity of Dickson's voice all standing out. This is not conventional jazz by any stretch, but it is a rewarding listen.