On drummer Mike Mahoney s debut album Wallingford, it s easy
to imagine that he has all three Brian Blade Fellowship
albums within easy reach. This is modern jazz, with a heavy
cross-pollination of post-rock that leads to reflective
melodies and tempos that rarely, if ever, swing. It s the
kind of album that can make one start to question whether it
s jazz at all, and then suddenly the clouds part, and a
hopping sax solo breaks through, and the bass player (of
which there is a rotating cast of three on this album) and
pianist establish a nifty groove, and now we re back in jazz
territory again.... ...(an) enjoyable listening experience.
Wallingford is definitely that. A promising first album. -
Bird is the Worm
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On drummer Mike Mahoney s debut album Wallingford, it s easy
to imagine that he has all three Brian Blade Fellowship
albums within easy reach. This is modern jazz, with a heavy
cross-pollination of post-rock that leads to reflective
melodies and tempos that rarely, if ever, swing. It s the
kind of album that can make one start to question whether it
s jazz at all, and then suddenly the clouds part, and a
hopping sax solo breaks through, and the bass player (of
which there is a rotating cast of three on this album) and
pianist establish a nifty groove, and now we re back in jazz
territory again.... ...(an) enjoyable listening experience.
Wallingford is definitely that. A promising first album. -
Bird is the Worm
Mike Mahoney s Wallingford is a collection that is
progressive while giving us that nostalgic feel for the jazz
our parents and parent s parents adored. Arranged by drummer
Mahoney and featuring a handful of fellow musicians,
Wallingford (which is named for the town he grew up in) is a
years-long project that is an audio manifestation of his
personal journeys both musically and spiritually. Ruminating
and brimming with a humbled greatness that stays in your
subconscious mind, Wallingford is a quiet storm begging to
be chased. The standout track for us, however, is Hero With
1,000 Faces which is an auditory poem filled with crescendos
and syncopation so strong you can almost visualize the
lyrics to the song granted, if they had any. It dips and
dives into the depths of your wildest dreams and evokes a
journey of self-discovery that was once untapped. -Quiet
Lunch Magazine
Mike Mahoney, Wallingford: Debut album for drummer Mahoney.
Sextet recording, with bari & alto saxes, piano, guitar, and
bass to go along with Mahoney s drums. Modern jazz, with
melodies that drift off and don t look back, elegant piano
work, and a guitar that finds nice ways to fit in. Bari and
alto contrast nicely. Moody and reflective in the best of
ways. Impressive for a debut album. -E music
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