Joe Gilman: Relativity
ByGilman's constructs reflect Escher's unique outlook on life, but they're not all about fun house mirrors, oddities and upside down observances. Gilman is just as likely to throw in a burner ("Smaller And Smaller") or a calm wintery suggestion ("Snow") as he is to include a number built on different forms of evolutionary alteration or sleight of hand ("Three Worlds"). Interweaving lines that are oppositional, yet complementary come into play on occasion ("Covered Alley"), but these musicians also know how to band together and move in lockstep fashion ("Three Spheres").
The quintet featured on this date acts a single, well-oiled unit, willing to do what's necessary for the music: capable of touching down in Brazil without fully committing to its climate ("Day And Night"), letting things get fun, funky and fusion-eque ("Encounter"), and driving with the pedal to the metal and quickly shifting gears to open up some space ("Ascending And Descending"). Trumpeter Nick Frenay blends and balances well with saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown when his flugelhorn is in hand, but shines even brighter with his muted trumpet ("Encounter"). Drummer Corey Fonville controls the growth and development of "Waterfall," building new scaffolding behind each performer, while bassist Zachary Brown acts as stabilizing force or counterweight when required by the music.
Gilman's music, like Escher's art, is all about the eye of the beholder. The pianist does a fine job here, bringing Escher's work into the realm of the audible while also creating music that can stand on its own.
Track Listing
Three Spheres; Waterfall; Three Worlds; Smaller And Smaller; Covered Alley; Encounter; Snow; Day And Night; Sky And Water; Dewdrop; Ascending And Descending.
Personnel
Joe Gilman: piano, Fender Rhodes; Nick Frenay: trumpet, flugelhorn; Chad-Lefkowitz-Brown: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Zach Brown: bass; Corey Fonville: drums.
Album information
Title: Relativity | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Capri Records
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