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Fire of Space: Handbasket
ByThe traditional Turkish folk tune "Rampi Rampi is served up as a blistering entrée into the session as percussionist Geoff Mann and bassist Thomas Abbs pump out a highly danceable rhythm that pulsates through the fiery Middle Eastern changes. A meditatively pleading "Quiet (as the Birds of Fewa), decorated by Shoko Nagai's chordal organ, reflects the cry of near extinct Tibetan avians before the title cut, resplendent in baritone sax riffs, driving rhythms and McLean's punching solo work, funks up the house.
A long journey into the "Valleys of Jade traverses some intriguing musical territory as double oboe and clarinet lead the way through a decidedly Mid Eastern motif. Another burner follows, complete with real "Children's Voices, exploring this band's stellar command of infectious rhythms and exposing the heretofore unknown deep funkiness in the contra-alto clarinet. The freedom of "Asifina Dream, portrayed by arco bass and organ, gives way to a deliciously sleazy tenor trip that picks up stray instruments to form a vagabond choir before solemn organistic chords signal a final group "Prayer to the Elders.
All of these multiple timbres work together surprisingly well, making for an exceptionally interesting soundscapetestimony to McLean's strong compositions and leadership skills.
Track Listing
Rampi Rampi; Quiet (as the Birds of Fewa); Handbasket; Valleys of Jade; Children's Voices; Asifina Dream; Prayer to the Elders.
Personnel
Michael Herbst: oboe, English horn, tenor saxophone, flute; Stuart Bogie: clarinet, contra-alto clarinet; Jordan McLean: trumpet; Aaron Johnson: trombone; Geoff Mann: drums; Shoko Nagai: organ, pianette, percussion; Thomas Abbs: double bass; Martin Perna: baritone saxophone; Leah Paul: alto flute.
Album information
Title: Handbasket | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: 482 Music
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