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Jason Robinson: Tiresian Symmetry
ByRobinson uses this story to explore the numerical relationship of seven (the lifetimes of Tiresias) and two (the male and female genders of this mythological prophetthe completing opposites), through asymmetric and contrapuntal structures of melody, harmony and rhythm. Interestingly, Robinson's ensemble instrumentation and arrangements draw inspiration from the influential Henry Threadgill's Very Very Circus ensemble of the early nineties, with its double-tuba configuration.
Luckily, this elaborate intellectual background does not burden the music. Robinson's richly nuanced, storytelling compositions are full of freedom, flexibility, inventiveness and humor. These compositions are performed brilliantly by a stellar cast of nine forward-thinking musicians, including reed player Marty Ehrlich, guitarist Liberty Ellman, bassist Drew Gress and drummer George Schuller, who also played on The Two Faces of Janus.
"Stratum 3," "Radiate" and "Saros" cleverly uses former Threadgill's band matestubaists Marcus Rojas and Bill Lowe, along with reed player J.D. Parran and Ellman, to create similarly playful and densely textured music, through propulsive and shifting meters and the inventive pairing of the soloing musicians. The title piece is structured around a hard-swinging groove, rooted by Gress' muscular playing (who also adds an inspired solo), enabling the horn players to soar freely. Robinson's emotional solo sax piece, "Elbow Grease Introduction," outlines the thick narrative for the whole on "Elbow Grease." Gress and Ellman serve as rhythmic catalysts that push the band over the metrically shifting and changing lead roles of "Corduroy." The closing "Cosmolographie" begins with a gentle duet between Robinson and Gress, but soon transforms into a colorful and balanced texture with the whole band, while Robinson and Gress continue nourishing their dense interplay.
Beautiful, inspiring set of expansive compositions.
Track Listing
Stratum 3; Tiresian Symmetry; Radiate; Saros; Elbow Grease; Introduction; Elbow Grease; Corduroy; Cosmolographie.
Personnel
Jason Robinson
saxophone, tenorJason Robinson: tenor sax, alto flute, soprano sax; JD Parran: alto clarinet, contra bass clarinet, tenor sax; Marty Ehrlich: alto sax, bass clarinet, flute; Marcas Rojas: tuba; Bill Lowe: tuba, bass trombone; Liberty Ellman: guitar; Drew Gress: bass; George Schuller: drums; Ches Smith: drums, glockenspiel.
Album information
Title: Tiresian Symmetry | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Comments
About Jason Robinson
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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