Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Broken Things: Swim To The River

286

Broken Things: Swim To The River

By

Sign in to view read count
Broken Things: Swim To The River
Whether your daily travels consist of trails through a sprawling metropolis or remote terrains, Swim To The River has the spirit of being on the "open range, with elements of rural and earthy soundscapes. These trails however, are denoted not only with the feel of the outback, but also folk, rock, free jazz, and accessible melodies performed by the Chicago-based group Broken Things.

Led by guitarist Bill MacKay, the group formerly known as Sounds of Now (Self Produced, 2005) continues to evolve. Whiles things seem more focused and lyrical there's also more of what keeps them interesting: the ability to not sound like a jazz group as they cultivate their own music. Seemingly drawing inspiration from influences ranging from pianist Alice Coltrane to rockers Led Zeppelin, they succeed in avoiding being defined by any particular genre.

There are good harmonies from the two front voices of MacKay and saxophonist Greg Ward, and taut support from drummer Tim Daisy and bassists Jason Ajemian and Todd Hill, who split bass duties on the six tracks. "Doll Mountain Rag has a familiar Midwestern flair, while the "Broken Things slowly emerges, informed of both roots and rock music as MacKay delivers a nice chorded solo.

From south of the border comes the "1919 Molasses Tragedy, an interesting tune with good interaction and rich instrument timbres. Next is a favorite called "Water's Edge, containing a darker theme, free solos, and an ending that literally slays—with an Ozzy Osborn/Metallica head-banging riff and Ward delivering another hot solo.

"Keep A Secret is an upbeat piece that takes off and soars, while "The Reservoir sinks to the bottom, then gets down and dirty with a nice blues groove. The road to success for many musicians is paved with good intentions (and not enough originality) and it's cool that Bill MacKay and Broken Things are following their own path.

Track Listing

Doll Mountain Rag; Broken Things; 1919 Molasses Tragedy; Water's Edge; Keep a Secret; The Reservoir.

Personnel

Bill MacKay: guitars; Greg Ward: alto saxophone; Todd Hill: bass (2, 3, 6); Tim Daisy: drums; Jason Ajemian: bass: (1, 4, 5).

Album information

Title: Swim To The River | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Self Produced

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

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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