George Schuller's Circle Wide: Like Before, Somewhat After

"Dewpoint" is one of two original tracks on the record, the others respectful but bold reinterpretations of pieces by Keith Jarrett's American Quartet. "Dewpoint" showcases no gradual crescendo; from the first note, the bulging, swollen sax notes of Donny McCaslin and Tom Beckham's understated velvety vibes testify to a diligent vision of what a solid piece should sound like—important but subtly mischievous. It is the precision with which all the instruments collide with elegant eccentricity that makes "Dewpoint" so enjoyable. Nothing is too over-the-top and although McCaslin clearly steals the show, he does so in an impressively understated way. Listeners won't have a problem picking out the powerful presence of the other instruments.

The first few seconds of "De Drums" deliver one of the most exciting moments of the album, presenting slow, steady notes that don't explode their potential immediately, creating a sense of anticipation that is teased, steadily and expertly, by Jamey Haddad's slinky percussion, authoritative sax harmonies and playfully somber drums. There is a pause of almost insignificant duration less than halfway into the track which allows you to sneak in a breath before taking in the rest of the track.

It might seem like adulation of the highest order to state that by the end of the piece, heart rates will quicken and pupils will dilate, but why not praise what is praiseworthy? Increased heart rate is nothing but a physical symptom of something called love and falling in love with Like Before, Somewhat After is one physical phenomenon that even the left-brained among us can understand with ease.

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