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Rasul Siddik: House of Art
For House of Art's seven original pieces, the Artet consists of drummer John Betsch, saxophonist Ghasem Batamuntu, bassist James Lewis and either Bobby Few or Katy Roberts on piano. "Impulse" begins with a taut and condensed Betsch solo, a thematic improvisation presaging the theme. Siddik's head arrangement, lilting but reared back, is reminiscent of the Sonny Simmons-Barbara Donald juggernaut, his terse, throaty and fragmented cry skittering across Roberts' chordal outlines and rhythmic rejoinders. Where Siddik is thin and loose, Batamuntu's soprano empties with arpeggiated flurries and concentrated flame. An insistent vamp and churchy head is placed alongside airy rhythms on the title track, which quickly morphs into dissonant blats, Siddik and Batamuntu trading crunched and sputtering volleys.
The addition on two tracks of volcanic and encyclopedic pianist Bobby Few is of particular note. His ominous poise and deep gospel-Romantic superimpositions turn ears on the ballad "Shirley's Delight." In fact, the inclusion of a chordal instrument tempers what might otherwise move headlong into free-for-all territory. Closing with "Traveling East," percussionist Rai Bonini augments the group, a simple processional theme fleshed out with little instruments, pinched brass and soprano snaking through a meaty walk. It's taken three decades for Siddik to release a leader date and the wait has been well worth it.
Track Listing
Impulse; House of Art; Shirley's Delight; Hop Jumpin'; Song for Tomorrow; Evidence of Bliss; Travelling East.
Personnel
Rasul Siddik
trumpetRasul Siddik: trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion, bamboo flute, ney; Ghasem Batamuntu: tenor and soprano saxophones; Katy Roberts: piano (1, 2, 5); Bobby Few: piano (3, 4); James Lewis: bass; John Betsch: drums; Rai Bonini: percussion, birdcall (7).
Album information
Title: House of Art | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Philology Jazz Records
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