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Melissa Aldana's Sensory Journey Transports Listeners… Elsewhere
Bassist Pablo Menares leads listeners into the track with a steady, trance-inducing, ostinato accompanied by Tommy Crane's metrical rim clicks and light cymbal rhythms, from which Aldana's initial spare tenor sax beautifully emerges. Her playing is fluid and expressive, soon to be complemented by vibraphonist Joel Ross's exquisite percussive melodies and pianist Sam Harris's unique blend of atmospheric minimalism.
From its sparse, minimalist beginnings, this piece blossoms with vibrant intersecting melody lines, hued with timbres evocative of Werner's Nomenclature of Colors. Indeed, it feels natural to reflect upon the two Latina artists, drawing parallels between their respective journeys—from Aldana's native Santiago, Chile to Kahlo's Mexico City. Through the immersive, transformative nature of their work, with ears and eyes treated to their respective sensory details and emotional resonance, both artists transport audiences... elsewhere.
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