Matt Ulery: Delicate Charms

Bassist Matt Ulery works in several groups with differing approaches to jazz and art music. Delicate Charms features a quintet which mixes the romantic lightness of European classical music, the slippery unpredictability of jazz and the thrusting rhythms of progressive rock through a singular combination of alto sax, violin and piano.

The CD's opening track, "Coping" lays out the band's agenda. It starts with a slow, dignified theme played by saxophonist Greg Ward and violinist Zach Brock, over the rhythm section's stately progression, then it shifts into an undulating sax and violin melody over nagging piano repetition and turbulent rock rhythms set down by Ulery and drummer Quin Kirchner. "The Effortless Enchantment" follows a similar pattern at a slightly faster tempo with Ward and Brock gliding together over Rob Clearfield's pouncing piano chords. The band mixes dreamy melody and pulsing rhythm in a way which recalls the 70s' jazz fusion of players like Michal Urbaniak. The 70s' fusion model also drives "The Air We Breathe" and "Nerve." On these pieces, the lead instruments sway through intricate folk-based themes while powered with understated but compelling force by Ulery and Kirchner.

"Taciturn" starts with an ominous introduction reminiscent of early King Crimson but then Ward, Brock and Clearfield emerge out of the murk with quietly lyrical chords which build into a skipping dance rhythm. "Melisonant" sounds like a sentimental melody one would hear in a French cafe; Brock takes the lead on the quietly romantic theme, and spiraling, wispy solos come out of both violin and alto. "October" is one of the most classically-oriented tracks. Clearfiield's piano lightly underscores a lovely swooning tango, danced by Brock and Ward, before taking his own delicately driving turn. By the end of the piece all the instruments are whirling in and out of each other like a delirious chamber music group.

There is not much conventional jazz to be heard on Delicate Charms. Instead this group draws from European traditions to create music which marries classical beauty and progressive rock power. Overall it is a lovely sound which is both uplifting and fun.