Permanent Moving Parts
All-Set!, 2021
8/10
Listen to Permanent Moving Parts
A project spearheaded by the composer and bassist Pete Johnston, the other 3 of his See Through 4 cast includes Lina Allemano (trumpet), Michael Davidson (vibraphone), and Jake Oelrichs (drums), who all bring a wealth of talent to this experimental version of jazz.
“Underground Over Night” leads with the brass and vibraphone interacting playfully as the frisky drums and bass complement the fun opener, and “Everything Happens Once” follows with a calmer approach that’s quite progressive in a free jazz sort of way.
“Quietly Fading Fast” lands in the middle and emits strategic bass alongside the soulful trumpet and subtle vibraphone, while “Possible Daytime Dreams” swiftly glides with a bouncy spirit of seemingly improvised dynamics.
Moving towards the end, “Surrender Before Then” comes with a unique energy that’s kinda blurry, sort of dreamy and entirely unpredictable, and “Familiar Second Thoughts” finishes the listen with a light and delicate delivery where all the players showcase their respective skills in a very soothing execution.
Johnston’s See Through series has winded some very interesting roads including prog and chamber ideas, and here we’re treated to atypical jazz flourishes that are as clever as they are atypical in their post-bop exploration.
Travels well with: Rebecca Hennessy- All The Little Things You Do; Tim Brady- Actions Speak Louder