Jazz Articles about Chasm

Chasm: Wood Wind & Skin

by Chris M. Slawecki
January 16, 2021

When Mark Esakoff and Michael Whipple began collaborating in 1987, they focused their sound on the resonance of three sources: Wood (claves, marimbas, etc.), wind (flute, recorder, etc.) and skin (nylon strings, congas, etc.). Although their first four releases expanded their sound into metallic, electronic and other timbres, this fifth release honors the Wood, Wind & Skin purity of their early founding days. In Chasm, Esakoff's primary voices are nylon string guitar and marimba (which he professes to ...

Chasm: Panorhythmica

by Javier AQ Ortiz
March 10, 2003

Quick and to the Point: Extremely friendly and accessible panoramic jazz.

Chasm’s latest offering is as poly-emotive as it is poly-rhythmic, relying on exotic instrumentation to frame a singular sound that emerges with steadily melodic friendliness. The sweetness and liveliness of the flute is superbly arranged around simple percussive patterns conceived as strong support for the various stringed instruments. This is music live enough for feet tapping, although pleasant enough to be featured in any context whatsoever.