Patterns From Nature
Whirlwind, 2026
9/10
Listen to Patterns From Nature
The saxophonist and composer Quinsin Nachoff presents 2 distinct selections, where improvisation, flow and sonic exploration are at the core of the classical and jazz inspired effort.
The title track opens with Matt Mitchell’s curious piano that makes for mystery and cinematic qualities amid much ambience across “Branches”, and “Flow” follows with the Molinari String Quartet and Satoshi Takeishi’s percussion blending with a haze of experimental and cautious ideas.
“Cracks” and “Ripples” finish of the first half, where the former enlists Francois Houle’s clarinet and Carlo De Rosa’s bass via the frisky and rich album highlight, while the latter spotlights Nachoff’s animated tenor sax and Ryan Keberle’s well timed trombone for the busier and dense climate.
Winding Tessellations exits the listen. “Winding Paths” blurs the winds and percussion with intrigue and adventurousness, and “Tessellations” finishes with a lively free jazz bout that’s meticulous but loose.
A technical and fascinating record that balances chamber nods with plenty of solos, Nachoff’s view of contemporary classical and modern jazz unfolds with awe and excitement.
Travels well with: Simon Hanes- Gargantua; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far