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Bastian Weinhold: River Styx
ByThe German-born, New York-based drummer enlisted a crew of up-and-coming stars in the making, with bassist Linda May Han Oh the most well-known name on the list, and this quintet doesn't disappoint. In some places, Weinhold wastes no time, immediately taking off with some dexterous drumming that drives the band ("EsSeeE") to great heights. At other times, the entire band creates episodes of varying styles within a single piece. "The Tune" is a travelogue that winds its way through various locales, starting with a mysterious piano introduction, moving through a stormy section of free jazz, spotlighting Oh's stunning solo skills and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf's feisty finger work, and arriving at a section of music that's propelled by Weinhold's organic, odd-metered grooves.
Guitarist Nils Weinhold and tenor saxophonist Adam Larson are at the top of the sound pyramid throughout, and they prove to be a compelling frontline pair. They develop intriguing, angular lines and devilish, darting runs ("EsSeeE"), but they also assist in creating a beacon of musical hope with their calming influence on "The Last Line."
Weinhold himself proves to be a crafty timekeeper and dazzling soloist. He can be bombastically brilliant ("Punkberry") and technically dazzling at times ("EsSeeE"), but his playing ultimately serves the music. One example of his team-player attitude is his ability to craft dynamic arcs ("Kungafuh"), creating a lightly pulsating undercurrent with Oh and building to a boil before returning to gentler waters. Perhaps the Greeks wouldn't have feared the River Styx so much if they knew a trip along its waters could be as rewarding a journey as this.
Track Listing
The Tune; Punkberry; Kungafuh; EsSeeE; The Last Line; Space; River Styx.
Personnel
Adam Larson: tenor saxophone; Pascal Le Boeuf: piano, rhodes; Nils Weinhold: guitar; Linda Oh: bass; Bastian Weinhold: drums.
Album information
Title: River Styx | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Bastian Weinhold
CD/LP/Track Review
Dan Bilawsky
Two for the Show Media
Self Produced
United States
Linda Oh
Pascal Le Boeuf
Adam Larson
River Styx