Music For The Exploration Of Elusive Phenomena
Zabap, 2021
8/10
Listen to Music For The Exploration Of Elusive Phenomena
The percussionist, arranger, composer and lyricist Julian Gerstin brings us a very diverse set of songs here, where he touches on the folk music of Latin and South America, afrobeat and jazz, and he’s got an all star cast of players to help him flesh out the dozen tracks.
“American History” starts the listen percussively strong, where Wanda Houston’s soulful and powerful vocals are complemented by Josh Francis’ fluid drumming and bright saxophones from Jim Heffron and Jon Weeks, and “Too Happy To Sleep” follows with plenty of trumpet from Jon Anderson, as Bob Everingham’s tenor guitar flows alongside Sara LeMieux’s wordless singing in the African influenced climate.
In the middle, “Long Journey Home” brings much intimacy thanks to Zara Bode and LeMieux’s pipes in the cultured climate, while “The Almost Happy Camel” benefits from Gerstin’s playful drumming amid Wes Brown’s agile bass and Eugene Uman’s frisky keys amid the rhythmic album highlight.
Approaching the end, Carlene Raper lends her vocals to the poetic “Ways To Hear Each Other”, where a minimal quality makes a big impression with just keys and light percussion, and “All Day Every Day” exits the listen with Gerstin on marimba and several other percussive instruments, where his inimitable talent is showcases superbly.
Even though the 19 musicians present recorded their respective parts individually during the pandemic, you’d think they’re all playing in the same room, as Gerstin’s worldly vision is illuminated in a daring and exciting effort that is certainly one of the best he’s spearheaded yet.
Travels well with: Irina Zubareva- Bridges To Rio; Nelson Riveros- The Latin Side Of Wes Montgomery