Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Sonic Explorers: So Far, So Near

110

Sonic Explorers: So Far, So Near

By

Sign in to view read count
Sonic Explorers: So Far, So Near
Formed in 1995, the Sonic Explorers mold jazz’s modern mainstream according to established, down to earth principles. A healthy respect for tone, as well as a desire to make the listener’s journey fresh and alive, keeps the session on edge-of-your-seat territory. Trumpeter Jerry Sabatini wrote the music. Each piece stirs the listener’s emotions in suite-like fashion through timeless impressions. The band’s web site describes the music as “American modern jazz, Eastern European folk, Middle and Far Eastern classical music and Twentieth-Twenty-First Century Western classical music.”

That’s quite a load.

All the elements, of course, are there if you’re willing to let your mind roam a bit. The band’s web site also includes audio samples from each piece on the album. “Balkalla” has an exotic flavor akin to “Caravan.” “Advansor” wails in a popular Sci-Fi vein. Bassist Thomson Kneeland steers the third piece along beautiful arco lines; then, trombonist Rich Ardizzone and baritone saxophonist Mark Weisman steal the show on “Still Night Everywhere Reigning.” It’s a lovely piece that dishes out straight-ahead jazz in liberal doses. There’s much more.

Each of the artists displays impeccable mastery of his instrument. Sabatini’s feature on “Geraldo’s Hideaway” sums it all up. The band has taken its lead from the music of Duke Ellington and forged ahead. Passion and individual expression get their due. Several pieces produce images of distant lands and cross-cultural ties.

The music of Jerry Sabatini and the Sonic Explorers comes highly recommended. So Far, So Near is a can’t-miss opportunity.

Track Listing

Balkalla; Advansor; Negative Space; Still Night Everywhere Reigning; Geraldo

Personnel

Jerry Sabatini- trumpet, flugelhorn; Rich Ardizzone- trombone; Mark Weisman- alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone; Jason Hunter- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Nate Radley- guitar, electronics; Thomson Kneeland- double bass, electronics; Mike Connors- drums, percussion; James Falzone- clarinet on

Album information

Title: So Far, So Near | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Nada Brahma

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.