Distant Places
Goju, 2021
8/10
A composer and percussionist who is well versed in rhythm, timbres and global ideas, Tom Nazziola brings in many players for a large handful of tracks here that thematically surrounds various places, people and experiences as he weaves in and out of jazz, classical, orchestral and chamber ideas.
“Cat And Mouse” starts the listen with Nazziola navigating vibraphone and marimba in playful, very fascinating ways that ooze melody, and “Over The Horizon” follows with violin and cello from Todd Reynolds and Dave Eggar, as a swift orchestral climate enters the precise delivery.
The middle tracks are among the best, and include Michael Lowenstern’s bass clarinet and Terence Goss’ alto sax as warm jazz fills the busy execution of “Garbage Plate”, while “Sibley Tower” moves sublimely with cautious keys from Doug Oberhamer and Dan Willis’ soulful sax. “Get The Point”, one of the album’s best, then recruits wordless vocals from Nazziola amid frisky drumming from John Hollenbeck.
Close to the end, “Pablo’s Journey” benefits from Paul Livant’s spirited guitar lines and Scott Feiner’s pandeiro as much rhythm is present, and “Golem Overture” exits the listen percussively strong, where much culture enters the haunting finish.
Although the tracks vary greatly throughout the program, it all flows together seamlessly in Nazziola’s grand vision that leaves the listener absorbing the melodic, harmonic and even dramatic song craft in both exciting and intimate ways.
Travels well with: Duo della Luna- Mangetsu; Peter Gilbert- Burned Into The Orange