Sean Vokes: Mundane Fascinations

On his second release for his own indie label, Minor Third Records, pianist and composer Sean Vokes invites listeners into a deeply personal sonic world where everyday moments are transformed into vivid, emotionally charged musical snapshots. Mundane Fascinations is a collection of original compositions inspired by images, concepts or fleeting moments and developed with the same emotional precision a film composer might bring to a scene.

Vokes shared that the album began with the song "Rain," which he wrote in about an hour while practicing in his music room at the grand piano and watching the ongoing rain shower outside. He added that he thought it was fascinating how much attention people give to rain—whether to its absence, its abundance, the damage it causes or the good it brings. Violinist Jason Anick contributes an extra-melancholic layer to the track. Following jazz tradition, he received only a lead sheet for the piece and was invited to co-create. On the album, listeners hear the third take of the composition. "It's about as raw and real as it can be, with the emotions of the music coming from both of us and without manipulation," Vokes said.

The album sounds both modern and classical in a jazz sense, with Vokes weaving together echoes of Bill Evans' harmonic sophistication and introspection, Keith Jarrett's spontaneity, Herbie Hancock's sonic explorations and Brad Mehldau's classical-infused complexity. At the same time, it resonates with contemporary voices, including Tigran Hamasyan's polyrhythms and dramatic intensity, Aaron Parks' cinematic lyricism and Vijay Iyer's rhythmically complex, boundary-crossing sensibility. On Mundane Fascinations, each member shifts smoothly between accompaniment and melodic lead, supporting one another to create a rich and cohesive musical experience. Nick Scales' flowing bass lines provide both rhythmic drive and harmonic depth, while Austin Brazille's guitar moves between unison melodies with piano and soulful solos. Ryan Boehme's drumming combines rhythmic sophistication with dynamic sensitivity and on some tracks Anick's violin adds melodic contours that blend naturally with the ensemble's interplay.

The call and response between piano and guitar on "The Next Thing," supported by a moderate but energetic rhythm section, unfolds like a conversation, with phrases exchanged between the instruments.

When soloing, each musician demonstrates not only technical mastery and top-level professionalism but also remarkable musical taste, crafting lines that are expressive, inventive and perfectly attuned to the band's collective voice, resulting in recordings that are both immersive and compelling. "This album is a musical presentation of the emotions I have felt looking at pictures and thinking about the concepts presented. It's the most honest and vulnerable presentation I can give of myself," Vokes shared.

Comments