Transmitter
Neuma, 2021
8/10
A long time member of the legendary prog-rock outfit Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, the saxophonist, flautist and composer Ken Field takes this forced time away from the stage for a solo effort, where he collaborates with producer Erdem Helvacioglu on 6 tracks focused around Field’s sax prowess.
“Transoceanic” starts the listen bare with Field’s warm sax emitting much charm and elegance as the opener builds into a dizzying display of layering that’s mesmerizing and quite atmospheric, and “Transcendental” follows with mysterious ambience as brass is manipulated into a blurry, dreamy haze.
In the middle, “Translucent” is a bright and playful display of soothing song craft, while “Transducer” spends 9+ minutes intriguing us with a nearly haunting quality to its cinematic appeal. “Transparent”, one of the record’s best, then exits the listen with no shortage of beauty as Field manipulates his instrument with much skill and precision.
A very innovative effort, Field’s use of looping, echo. and texturing keeps the listener consistently amazed at the complexity and impact of the arrangements, as he basically forges an entire new subgenre of jazz with his art.
Travels well with: Juan J.G. Escudero- Shapes Of Inner Timespaces; Gina Biver- Nimbus