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Josh Nelson: Exploring Mars
ByThis particular space odyssey begins with Nelson's spoken word recitation of material from Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles (Doubleday, 1950) over a 5/4 musical backdrop ("Bradbury's Spirit"). From there, it's off to a number that starts with the focus on Nelson's piano, artfully expanding and ripening as it goes ("Sojourner"). Then there's an engrossing look at the guitar work of Larry Koonse ("Memnonia Quadrangle"), an oddly endearing love ballad delivered by vocalist Kathleen Grace ("How You Loved Me On Mars"), and a quirky and fusion-y trip ("Opportunity").
The second half of the album is populated by an equally wide variety of material. "Solis Lacus, The Eye Of Mars"a dark tom-and-cymbal meditation from drummer Dan Schnelleleads to Nelson's overdubbed take on "Mars, The Bringer Of War," the best known piece from Holst's The Planets, Op. 32, and "Curiosity," a synthesizer-centered number that excites and inspires. Nelson's space mission then comes to its end with "Syrtis Major, The Hour Glass Sea," which finds John Daversa speaking in tongues with his EVI, and "Spirit," a reprise of the music on the album opener.
A fertile imagination and strong musical skills have given birth to a remarkable work of art here. Exploring Mars is a world unto itself.
Track Listing
Bradbury's Spirit; Sojourner; Memnonia Quadrangle; How You Loved Me On Mars; Opportunity; Solis Lacus, The Eye Of Mars; Mars, The Bringer Of War; Curiosity; Syrtis Major, The Hourglass Sea; Spirit.
Personnel
Josh Nelson
pianoJosh Nelson: piano, trumpet, Nord Electro 3; John Daversa: trumpet, EVI; Larry Koonse: guitar; Dave Robaire: bass; Dan Schnelle: drums; Kathleen Grace: vocals; Alan Ferber: trombone; Brian Walsh: bass clarinet; Larry Goldings: B3 organ(4).
Album information
Title: Exploring Mars | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Origin Records
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