Convergence
Browntasauras, 2023
8/10
The pianist Nick Maclean is aligned with Brownman Ali, Ben Duff and Jacob Wutzke, plus guests, for these powerful and diverse 11 jazz tracks.
“Dolphin Dance” opens the listen with a warm atmosphere thanks to the graceful keys and Ali’s soulful trumpet guiding the thoughtful climate, and “Road Warrior” follows with a lively energy that benefits from Maclean’s finger acrobatics and Wutzke’s furious drumming.
In the middle, “Eye Of The Hurricane” welcomes Mike Downes on bass and Mateo Mancuso behind the drum kit for the animated melodies and dance floor ready delivery, while “Butterfly” is a more cautious exploration that benefits from Duff’s precise acoustic bass and the eloquent trumpet.
Arriving near the end, “Lie Of Easy Attainment” is a textured album highlight that emits timeless jazz ideas, and “Wisdow Of Aurelius” exits with a bit of culture thanks to Luisito Orbegoso’s congas that complements the frisky rhythm section.
A listen that tips its hat to Herbie Hancock, Maclean and company pen a unique and very modern body of work that’s as sophisticated as it is daring.
Travels well with: Nick Maclean- Can You Hear Me?; Noam Lemish- Erlebnisse