Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Joel Futterman, William Parker, Chad Fowler, Steve Hirsh: The Deep

8

Joel Futterman, William Parker, Chad Fowler, Steve Hirsh: The Deep

By

Sign in to view read count
Joel Futterman, William Parker, Chad Fowler, Steve Hirsh: The Deep
The Deep brings together the quartet of pianist Joel Futterman, bassist William Parker, saxophonist Chad Fowler, and drummer Steve Hirsh. Individually—and collectively—they have been the catalysts for many who wander to the farther bounds of jazz. This leaderless group has recorded in distinct member formations, with Futterman and Parker dating back to Authenticity (Kali Records, 1998). Fowler, on his Mahakala label, has issued post-2020 releases with each of his bandmates. The Deep comprises a single title track drawing on many strands of creative music but not settling down anywhere for an extended period.

The Deep leaps out, straight for the gut. Percussive piano and snarling saxophone dare the listener to turn away. The saxophone stirs the pot until a vortex forms and pulls the music into "The Deep." Four minutes in, the quartet has submerged and, entering new territory, they take a brief moment or so to find their bearings. They re-ignite in a frenzied series of small explosions, and then, peace. At fifteen minutes Futterman and Fowler slip into an elegant, asymmetrical duet, paving the way for another unexpected change of direction. The pair express a variety of temperaments as they passively follow or aggressively stalk each other; all the while, Parker seamlessly interjects secondary melodies. A little past the halfway mark, Hirsh comes to the front in an extended and animated solo. Fowler picks up the lead with a stunningly soulful passage, handing it off to Futterman, who holds that demeanor in place for a time. Again, the music explodes without warning and does not relent until the final moments of tranquility, somewhere above or below the surface.

The Deep was recorded in January 2022, in a single, spontaneous one-hour session. Futterman, Parker, Fowler, and Hirsh had not previously worked together as a quartet although their balance and responsiveness would belie that. The suite is spirited, forceful, and mystical; it demands and rewards attentive listening.

Track Listing

The Deep.

Personnel

Album information

Title: The Deep | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Mahakala Music

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.