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Little Things by Matt Otto

From the album

Album Title: Umbra
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2023

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About the Album

From New York to Los Angeles and Kansas City, saxophonist Matt Otto always cultivated an inspired musical community with which to surround himself. Now having 14 years of performances with the energized and spontaneous KC duo of bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer John Kizilarmut, the vibrancy of their interactions is a given, and apparent, as the trio provides the momentum for this set of nine Otto originals. On several tracks, Matt Villinger's Fender Rhodes provides astute chordal realizations of Otto's harmonies, while guitarist Alex Frank adds an edge of free, '70s-era fusion energy. Also featured is the Paris-based trumpeter Hermon Mehari, who returns to his Kansas City roots occasionally and was in town to add his sparkling voice to three pieces. Embracing harmonic openness and guided by their shared sense of direction and play, Otto and his ensemble create a captivating musical emprise within 'Umbra.'

Tracks

Little Things; Hawk; Mousai; Prez; Paw Paw; Umbra; Wanjiku; Esthesis; Melisma.

Personnel

Matt Otto

saxophone, tenor

Jeff Harshbarger

bass, acoustic

John Kizilarmut

drums

Additional Personnel

Hermon Mehari: trumpet (1, 4, 8); Matt Villinger: Rhodes (1, 2, 4, 6, 8); Alex Frank: guitar (1 ,2, 4, 6, 8).

Reviews

Umbra by Dan McClenaghan

Date featured

August 24, 2023

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company.
It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.

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