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Ensemble 5: Solstice
By"Out of a Dew Drop" is perhaps a study in investigating minimalism, where each band member takes on a specific role. Featuring Reto Staub's trickling piano notes, concise horns statements and a vast plane of musical notions, the band also merges tumultuous and chatty exchanges, morphing into a bursting free-jazz romp. And Geisser's compelling free-form drumming poses a holistic backdrop. Even when he's providing subtle asymmetrical accompaniment, he manages to devise subliminal beats that are regimented and deceptively complex. This factor adds an additional layer to the rhythmic components.
The musicians alternate between hyper-motion, stilted progressions, and circular movements, all instilled with fragmented breakouts amid the proverbial peaks and valleys. Geisser often resides on top of the pulse and serves as a catalyst and colorist. However, they turn the tide on "Stand Clear," which is a hip, loose-groove piece, shaded with a touch of pathos thanks to trombonist Robert Morgenthaler's warbling lines. And they add another dimension with reverse-engineering mechanics, moving forward. From an avant-garde perspective, Ensemble 5 embraces a great deal of fertile musical space. The artists' intuitive dialogues and willingness to transcend the norm is quite apparent from start-to-finish.
Track Listing
In Short; I'll Snag You; Out of a Dew Drop; Solstice; Innuendo; Stand Clear; Why Five; 4's.
Personnel
Heinz Geisser: percussion; Fridolin Blumer: double bass; Reto Staub: piano; Robert Morgenthaler: trombone; Vincent Daoud: tenor and soprano saxophones.
Album information
Title: Solstice | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Leo Records
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