Four80East: Nocturnal
ByAs in the other musics mentioned, strong moods and colors are evoked. Sounds are allowed to resonate, leaving vapor trails that open up all kinds of new spaces; rhythms are allowed to flex, and breathe. "Wake and Bake" creates an almost palpable atmosphere through muted trumpet, echoing flute, and soulful electric piano, while "Wait It Out" uses low-toned sounds with the sensitivity of a Sun Ra, its melody recalling the classic Dan and Dale instrumental, "Sleepwalk" apropos, given its dreamlike groove. "Viaduct" is so smooth, you may feel as if you're riding a chocolate cupcake; a minute and a half in, and the frosting turns into a magic carpet, Jon Stewart's gutty, smoky tenor work your guide for the ride.
For all its occasional abstraction, it's also endlessly funky, working the body as much as it does the brain. Sonically, Nocturnal is a real treat, with creative use of the soundstage, and fine attention to such details as dynamics and tone. Whether your idea of Direction in Groove is Digable Planets, Weather Report, or Fred Wesley and His Horny Horns, Nocturnal will take you to a whole 'nother level.
Track Listing
Shakedown/Viaduct/Bumper To Bumper/Drive Time/Sweet Tooth/Wake And Bake/On The Strip/Wait It Out/First Time/Hazy Lazy.
Personnel
Four80East: band/orchestra.
Album information
Title: Nocturnal | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Higher Octave Music
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Instrument: Band/orchestra
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