Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Todd Neufeld: Mu'U

8

Todd Neufeld: Mu'U

By

Sign in to view read count
Todd Neufeld: Mu'U
Guitarist Todd Neufeld makes his debut as a leader, after recording with drummer Tyshawn Sorey on his Koan (482 Music, 2009) and Oblique-l (Pi Recordings, 2011) albums and working with the late Japanese pianist Masabumi Kikuchi, saxophonists Lee Konitz and Tony Malaby, and others.

After the brief introduction "Dynamics" with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummers Billy Mintz and Tyshawn Sorey, vocalist Rema Hasumi joins in on "Echo's Bones," giving the piece a welcome focal point. She is the lead instrument on "Novo Voce" until the guitar and trombone take over, performing a similar function on "Kira."

It's a generally languid sound, Neufeld's gentle, sometimes lyrical guitar abstractions accompanied by a textural soundscape from the two drummers. Even the brief drum duet on "C.F.G." (which has the most bebop-influenced theme on the album) is a cooperative, non-bombastic affair. Sorey makes a rare appearance playing bass trombone—on "Contraction" his repeated riffs provide an additional supportive structural layer, while "Novo Voce" finds him in dialog with the other instruments. Neufeld and Mintz play two brief duets, both exercises in texture and restraint.

All these musicians have a healthy respect for dynamics, and are not afraid of silence. Listening to Mu'U is like overhearing an intense conversation among old friends.

Track Listing

Dynamics; Echo's Bones; Entrance; C.G.F.; Contraction; Taunti; Novo Voce; Kira; Nor

Personnel

Todd Neufeld: electric guitar; Thomas Morgan: acoustic bass; Tyshawn Sorey: drums, bass trombone (5 and 7); Billy Mintz: drums, congas (2); Rema Hasumi: voice (2, 5, 7, 8)

Album information

Title: Mu'U | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Ruweh Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.