The Other Quartet: Sound Stains

This New York City-based outfit celebrates 2001 with its followup to the irrefutably engaging 13 Pieces. The Other Quartet alludes to a very special aggregation as its moniker might imply that the group represents a bit more than your commonplace mainstream jazz foursome. A bass-less unit, the quartet originally formed by trumpeter Russ Johnson and saxophonist Ohad Talmor extends its charter with a series of shrewdly conceived bop motifs, fiery solos, knotty time signatures and much more! With "Refraction," the band sustains a turbulent ebb and flow amid a mushrooming effect where guitarist Pete McCann turns up the heat via heavily amplified rock-fusion type runs and scorching crunch chords. However, on "Walking Leo," the group tones it down a bit largely due to Talmor's saccharine clarinet work in concert with a memorably melodic hook.

"Chamber Piece No.3" is a rambunctious free jazz romp, whereas the musicians also incorporate 70's style funk grooves into their already extensive repertoire. Conversely, these gents kick up a storm throughout, as they take the listener on a musical (and perhaps emotional) roller coaster ride along with all of the recognizable twist, turns and unanticipated deviations from the norm - - Ardently recommended

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