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Arrive: There Was...
ByFormed in 2001, Arrive builds upon the band Dragons 1976, a piano-less trio Shelton and Daisy created with bassist Jason Ajemian. Where Dragons 1976 mined the message of Ornette Coleman, Arrive plies a post-Coleman world, with Bobby Hutcherson's Dialogue (Blue Note, 1965) offering a reference point.
The inclusion of Adasiewicz's vibraphone adds both a second percussionist and a chordal instrument. His literally striking performance elevates Shelton's compositions, focusing the music on both melody and physicality. The pulse applied by bass and drums can sometimes be ignored, but Adasiewicz's vibraphone on the title track pushes Roebke and Daisy to the forefront, emphasizing that pulse. As a working band, Arrive maintains a tight rein on the compositions. "Cradle" begins as an odd-timed waltz that evolves into a delicious 4/4 groove; the Same goes for "Frosted," Shelton introducing this restrained and quiet piece, before giving way to some interplay between Adasiewicz and Daisy. Elsewhere, Roebke's bass fuels "Lost," before stepping into a gnarled solo and silence, the band bringing him back into the intricately woven song.
Where this disc shines is not in the soloing but the melodies and orchestrated group interplay. Shelton's composing, and his sense of space in choosing musicians who play well together is a gift. This combination might be the best coalition of Chicago artists working today.
Track Listing
There Was...; Cradle; Lost; Fifteen; Frosted; Golden.
Personnel
Aram Shelton: alto saxophone; Jason Adasiewicz: vibraphone; Jason Roebke: double-bass; Tim Daisy: drums.
Album information
Title: There Was... | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records
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