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Rob Mazurek Octet: Skull Sessions
Track review of "Skull Caves of Alderon"
"Skull Caves of Alderon" is one of four pieces spanning over ten-minutes in length. Here, vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz kicks it off with an extended, topsy-turvy solo spot and preambles drummer John Herndon's bustling rock pulse, offering an invitation for the remaining group members to chime in. As Mazurek, flutist Nicole Mitchell, and C-melody saxophonist Thomas Rohrer blaze forth with jaunty, circular horn passages.
The band incorporates electronics into the schema but doesn't burn the roast, so to speak. Tasteful, yet used for backwashes, and off-center treatments, the electronic element is just one component of a polygonal paradigm. Mitchell briefly integrates a Brazilian motif into the schema and the musicians coalesce with energetic aplomb. Moving forward, Mazurek locks in with the soloists and soars to a zenith, effectuating a tour de force epic, bristling with fervent momentum and inspiring dialogues. Thus, an entrancing showcase, instilled with theatrical attributes and a highly entertaining form-factor.
Track Listing
Galactic Ice Skeleton; Voodoo and the Petrified Forest; Passing Light Screams; Skull Caves of Alderon; Keeping the Light Up.
Personnel
Rob Mazurek
trumpetRob Mazurek: cornet, ring modulator; Nicole Mitchell: piccolo, flute, voice; John Herndon: drums; Jason Adasiewicz: vibraphone; Mauricio Takara: cavaquinho, percussion; Guilherme Granado: keyboards, electronics; Thomas Rohrer: rabeca, C melody saxophone; Carlos Issa: guitar, electronics.
Album information
Title: Skull Sessions | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
About Rob Mazurek
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