Mosaic Sextet: Mosaic Sextet

Fans of trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas, violinist Mark Feldman, bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens should have something to get all worked up about, with this smartly packaged 2-CD set! Recorded between 1988-1990, this ensemble melded bassoonist Michael Rabinowitz’ jazzy lines with penetrating rhythmic underpinnings along with Douglas and Feldman’s rapid fire unison lines and richly thematic cross-currents. Simply put, this unit was in a class of its own as they fabricated interweaving motifs brimming with hard boiled swing vamps, experimental harmonic and rhythmic patterns, modern/free-jazz exchanges and orchestral voicings. Otherwise, the band traverses through a series of tricky time signatures, lofty peaks, cavernous regions of sound and previously uncharted musical terrain. Subsequently, these musicians’ have garnered accolades and prominence within modern jazz circles. However, much of the music presented on these two CDs may have provided a spark for the respective instrumentalists continual development and willingness to take risks! Basically, the Mosaic Sextet is one of the year’s most important, and altogether essential offerings. Strongly recommended!

GM Recordings