Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Stephan Crump: Reclamation
Stephan Crump: Reclamation
ByThese sketches of life are visualized in a recording that yields continued surprises. The Americana backdrop of "Memphis" might suggest a kinship to Bill Frisell's Disfarmer (Nonesuch Records, 2009) and its folksy rural persona, but a sharper-edged demeanor is presented in "Silogism," driven by Crump's knottily groove-laden arco, while Ellman plays a staccato riff on acoustic guitar and Fox conjures up weird sounds via some creative string abuse on electric guitar. From the acoustic rock punkishness of "Overreah" to the hippie beach-nik vibe of "Shoes, Jump," the set points to the trio's openness and widespread abilities.
Unison lines form, separate into express solos, and reunite in the pastoral setting of "The Leaves, The Rain." In "Escalateur," the isolation is almost palpable, as Crump's virtuosic bowed string exudes emotion. The Brazilian-influenced "Pernambuo" is another memorable piece; full of gusto, dramatic shifts, and scintillating picking from Ellman and Fox.
The trio's members eschew their individual recordings and sessions and performances with the likes of Vijay Iyer, Henry Threadgill, and Blood, Sweat and Tears to create something that is uniquely their own. Out of a spartan instrumental environment comes music that is refreshingly diverse.
Track Listing
Memphis; Silogism; The Leaves, The Rain; Overreach; Here Not Here; Shoes, Jump; Escalateur; Pernambuco; Toward Fall.
Personnel
Stephan Crump
bassLiberty Ellman: acoustic guitar; Jamie Fox: acoustic guitar; Stephan Crump: acoustic bass.
Album information
Title: Reclamation | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
< Previous
Purpose Built