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Jacam Manricks: Chamber Jazz
by Dave Wayne
Now based in California, composer and multi-reed whiz Jacam Manricks describes himself as “Sri Lankan- Portuguese Australian-born." In other words he's the virtual embodiment of a world citizen. When it comes to his music, Manricks is unafraid to draw from pretty much any source for inspiration. The wryly-titled Chamber Jazz comprises eight Manricks originals plus a cover of Miles Davis' “Deception" and an adaptation of Jean Sibelius' “En Etsi Valtaa Loistoa" (I Seek No Power or Glory). Despite the repeated ...
read moreJacam Manricks: Cloud Nine
by Dan Bilawsky
The euphoria-based title of Jacam Manricks' latest album makes perfect sense. After all, who wouldn't be on cloud nine with a band like this?! For his fourth album, the Australian-born, New York-based saxophonist mingles with three modernist elites who help to shape and define his sound. While Manricks' compositional prowess could easily allow him to fully script every little musical nuance conveyed on this album, he wisely allows the distinct personalities on this date to add their own thoughts while ...
read moreJacam Manricks: Trigonometry
by Raul d'Gama Rose
The reason that there is seldom a wrong note played by Jacám Manricks on Trigonometry is that notes, phrases and the spiraling flow of seemingly unending lines appear to be so extremely well thought-out that nothing could possibly sound out of place. To hear the saxophonist play in soft, dulcet tones that occupy the paler colors of a woodwinds player's tonal palette is like listening to an apothecary conjuring up a mysterious aural recipe that will ultimately produce some magic ...
read moreJacam Manricks: Trigonometry
by Bruce Lindsay
Jacám Manricks is a rich-toned saxophonist and composer with a growing body of original tunes--Trigonometry appears hot on the heels of the self-released Labyrinth (Manricks Music Records, 2009). The New York based musician has allied himself to a strong ensemble of players who happily take on the challenge of Manricks' compositions and invest them with some terrifically enthusiastic playing. The result is a bop-inspired album that can readily surprise and delight. The album begins emphatically on “Trigonometry" ...
read moreJacám Manricks: Trigonometry
by Dan Bilawsky
This album, like the branch of math where it gets its names, deals with angles and relationships from different sides. Saxophonist/composer Jacám Manricks enjoys creating some rhythmic friction--using different combinations of instruments and musicians within his group--while also treating each piece like a fresh canvas, ready to be turned into high art. His pleasing and pure-toned sound is used to create a hybrid style that owes as much to classical saxophone writing and left-of-center jazz work as it does to ...
read moreJacam Manricks: Labyrinth
by Eyal Hareuveni
It is quite rare to find an up-and-coming composer/musician such as Australian-born, New York-based reedman Jacam Manricks. A PhD-level composer at the Manhattan School of Music, who has already developed strong personal compositional skills on his sophomore release as a leader, his unique and elaborate compositions reveal a deep knowledge of the jazz bop legacy and modern 20th century music. With an exceptional talent for arranging, his compositions are intelligent and sometimes challenging, defying their exquisite clarity and emotional accessibility. ...
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