Vonology
Ears & Eyes, 2022
9/10
The exceptional guitarist Mike Allemana takes inspiration from the saxophonist Von Freeman across these 5 very exploratory tracks, where songs about astrology are fleshed out with much help on brass, strings, drums and vocals.
“Welcome. Enter" opens the listen with soft bass plucking from Matt Ferguson, as many voices enter and harmonize amid the bouts of bright brass and unpredictable drumming, and “The Mediator” follows with a quirky groove running under the playful drums, stirring strings and spirited guitar work.
The middle track, “Communion And Renewal”, enters more intimate areas of beauty and warmth, while “Libra Channeling” moves swiftly, with a busy free jazz approach that’s quite exciting. The final track, “The Mentor’s Benediction”, brings both spoken word and wordless singing to the very creative and eloquent exit.
A jazz effort of the most atypical kind, Allemana and company pay tribute to Freeman’s memory with an artistic spirituality that’s quite accomplished, highly technical and absolutely timeless.
Travels well with: Noa Fort- Everyday Actions; James Gilmore- Decorating Party