Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Matthias Lupri: Transition Sonic

197

Matthias Lupri: Transition Sonic

By

Sign in to view read count
Matthias Lupri: Transition Sonic
More than five years on the road as a rock, blues and country drummer gave Matthias Lupri lots of days and nights to hone his craft as a vibes player and, as Transition Sonic so splendidly shows, to develop his skills and vision as a composer.

This CD, featuring a sextet, is best heard straight through in order to savor its intent and its beauty. It is a 12-part suite of related compositions. Soloing that comes straight out of the bop tradition enhances tunes that can be enjoyed as a package, or in more than a few cases—like "Sonic" and "Iceland Dark"—can stand alone quite effectively. "Deception" is another gem, one that reveals much about Lupri's artistry as a soloist.

Trumpeter Cuong Vu is the standout on "Middle Zone" as he darts in and out of Lupri's ethereal soloing. Thomson Kneeland's bowed bass over vibes and electronic looping on the aforementioned "Iceland Dark" sets the work's brooding mood. Such looping and other bits of electronica are used effectively by four of the six members of the ensemble (all but sax and drums) and are never overdone. They include extended reverb from guitarist Nate Ridley and Vu's electronic echo effects on trumpet. Saxophonist Mark Turner shines throughout as does young drummer Jordan Perlson, who's just a year out of Berklee.

This is Boston-based Lupri's fourth CD overall and his second for Summit. While he may be a new musical voice to many listeners, Lupri is a mature player and strong conceptualist. It's always a treat when someone who is not yet a marquee name in jazz produces a work of such quality and startling originality—because that happenstance is so rare.

Track Listing

Sonic Prelude; Sonic; Middle Zone; The Day After; Deception; Iceland Dark; Chime Trance; Double Trouble; Prairie; Intro; Earlier Years; Sonic Reprise

Personnel

Matthias Lupri
vibraphone

Matthias Lupri (vibraphone, electronics), Mark Turner (tenor and soprano saxophones), Cuong Vu (trumpet, electronics), Nate Radley (guitar, electronics), Thomas Kneeland (acoustic bass, electronics), Jordan Perlson (drums)

Album information

Title: Transition Sonic | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Summit Records

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.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.