On Becoming
GroundUP, 2023
9/10
An outfit spearheaded by Max ZT (hammered dulcimer) and Moto Fukushima (six string electric bass), along with Antonio Sanchez, Mike Stern and Priya Darshini they create both composed and improvised pieces of worldly jazz ideas.
“Folding Cranes” opens the listen with the bass and dulcimer making for a cultured and engaging climate that uses Sanchez’s drums for much effect, and “Avaloch” follows with a unique dreaminess which emits meticulous patterns from ZT amid the warm bass gestures that embraces much melody.
In the middle, Stern’s cozy guitar lines makes quite an impact across the waves of beauty that is “Hang In The Air”, while “Tsumamiori” spotlights acrobatic drumming that complements the swift dulcimer exploration and strategic bass of a more rock focused delivery.
Close to the end, the rhythmic “The Wall” features the mesmerizing vocals of Priya Darshini, who adds even more elegance next to the playful bass lines, and “Kabuseori” exits with a calm dreaminess which relies on folk and post-rock nods, too, in its clever interaction.
A listen that documents a distinct sound, composition and moment, ZT, Fukushima and company make for an atypical version of fusion sounds that’s closely related to jazz and is an unpredictable as it is gripping.
Travels well with: Alex Hamburger- What If?; Danielle Wertz- Other Side