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Phraim: Tides
Using the voice as an instrument gives the ensemble a fresh perspective on "And Still I Rise." The melody is centered around a motif that Reiter sings without words. Her voice takes on the role of fronting the ensemble like a horn. The composition is well-formed with the core trio sharing a common, interactive jazz language. Mezgolits' solo is a whirlwind of modern jazz. Reiter's scatting is horn-like in her fluidity and phrasing. The interlude melody is given words; unfortunately, the mix has Reiter's vocals at a volume that makes it challenging to understand all the lyrics. Reiter's overall vocal control and scatting skills add strength to the notion of making the voice a legitimate fronting instrument for a jazz quartet.
"A Single Rose" features Reiter singing a beautiful set of lyrics to an angular melody. The opening statement is set to lush chordal figures from Mezgolits. The interaction between Plecher and Frosch is lovely. The composition has a straight-eight feel that flows seamlessly.
Phraim offers a distinctive sound that forges new directions in modern jazz. Its strengths is enhanced by each player's idiosyncratic talent.
Track Listing
And Still I Rise; First You Come for Me, Then You Run from It; Minuit (Praeludium); Minuit; Let Me Die Here; I; A Single Rose; II; Marionette; III; Twist Me a Crown of Windflowers; Sweet Nothings; IV; Sleep Paralysis.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Tides | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: QFTF
Tags
Phraim
Album Review
Geannine Reid
Tides
QFTF
Nina Reiter
Peter Primus Frosch
Stephan Plecher
Marc Mezgolits
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