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Dan Jonas: The Spirituality Suite
ByAll well and good, but how does the music sound? For the most part, rather amiable and engaging, actually, with some discord and special effects thrown in to make sure the listener is paying attention. Once past the "concept," what remains is a pretty respectable jazz quintet plying its trade on a series of compositions by Jonas whose titles mirror the album's over-arching theme, from "Daniel, in the Lion's Den" to the closing "Requiem for the Soul." Jonas is a perceptive soloist who knows his chord changes, while tenor saxophonist Levi Saelua takes his cue from such renowned modernists as Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, George Garzone and their peers. The rhythm section (pianist Ben Markley, bassist Denson Angulo and drummer Steve Lyman) is sharp and supportive, and each member solos with assurance when called upon.
Although much of the music is decorous and even-tempered, there are moments of intensity and excitement, as on "Daniel," "Salvation" and "The March to War." Most of the dissonance is confined to "The Altar of Intellect," while special effects are used productively on "The Fermi Paradox" (with Saelua doubling on bass clarinet, as he does on "Salvation"). Jonas has a good ear for melody, and none of his themes disappoints in that respect, nor are there any rhythmic lapses. Premise aside, a well- planned and meticulously performed small-group session with much to recommend it.
Track Listing
Daniel, In the Lion's Den; Salvation; The Altar of Intellect; The March to War; The Politics of Power; Charon, the Ferryman; The Fermi Paradox; Requiem for the Soul
Personnel
Album information
Title: The Spirituality Suite | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Self Produced
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The Spirituality Suite
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