Field Theory
Pacific Coast Jazz, 2021
8/10
The guitarist and composer Matt Panayides comes through with a post-bop listen where Matt Vashlishan, Rich Perry, Robert Sabin, and Mark Ferber accompany him across both electric and acoustic arrangements on this 3rd album.
“Kite Flying” starts the listen with flowing, timeless jazz ideas as Ferber’s proficient drumming and Panayides’ fluid guitar lines interact with much warmth, and “Disturbance” follows with hypnotic melody as Perry’s tenor sax prowess is both adventurous and alluring, as well as a bit haunting, too.
Residing near the middle, “Looking Round Corners” emits both beauty and mystery as Vashlishan’s wind synth is manipulated with much charm, while “Energy Mover” displays fascinating guitar acrobatics from Panayides, and Sabin’s bass work makes an impression, too. “Penta Folk: Arrive”, one of the album’s best, then emits an ambient mood amid strategic, nearly prog-like instrumentation.
Further down the line, “Penta Folk: Ascend” showcases all the players at their creative best in a busy and flowing landscape, and “Self Narrative” exits the listen reserved and emotive, but not without bouts of guitar and ominous sax flourishes to enjoy.
Often taking nods to legends like Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, Panayides and company offer no shortage of grooves, interesting time signatures, and traditional jazz ideas, as Field Theory is an unpredictable, memorable and timeless listening experience.
Travels well with: Juan Carlos Quintero- Caminando; Mike Scott- Collecting Things