Joe Santa Maria: Echo Deep

In the liner notes, L.A.-based multi-woodwind specialist Joe Santa Maria, known for his contributions to Vinnie Golia ensembles, Django Django, and Kim Richmond and others, reveals that this project took nearly a decade to complete, shaped by his extensive travels and dedicated studies. Notably, he emphasizes the cyclical, trance-like essence embedded within these compositions. The prolonged wait proves worthwhile as Santa Maria's fusion of worldly influences, rooted in his jazz expertise, culminates in an outstanding album poised to grace numerous year-end top-ten lists.

The ensemble, reminiscent of a robust big band, presents compelling, and triumphant minimalist motifs employing unified circular melodies, layered brass, and strings, intertwined with contrapuntal phrases. And during the entrancing "Soap Box,"' they embark on a sonic orbit, weaving warm horn textures alongside Lauren Baba's streaming staccato violin passages.

Evoking folk-inspired hues, the ensemble crafts subdued yet captivating melodies segueing seamlessly into the subsequent piece, likely dedicated to guitarist Max Kutner, titled "Mad Max."' Here, disciplined horn arrangements soar with vibrancy via scintillating improvisations framed by thematic ingenuity and tight, unified choruses. Moreover, drummer {{Tim Carr|| underpins the composition with Latin-infused odd-metered patterns, establishing the formidable groundwork.

"Pathways" spotlights Santa Maria's exquisite flute work, evoking wistful echoes reminiscent of 1970s British progressive rock. The arrangements occasionally veer into offbeat avant-garde-leaning segments that paradoxically harmonize seamlessly. Once more, Carr's percussive guidance navigates these territories. "On the Water" exudes a jubilant samba groove, infused with celebratory voices and laughter, injecting a vibrant sense of realism and spice into the auditory backdrop.

Santa Maria's acute vision and compositional excellence amid his proficiency and adaptability across different musical styles speak incalculable volumes. He possesses a level of skill and artistry that is indisputably on a higher plane. (Strongly recommended)