A Love Song
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The guitarist and composer Noshir Mody returns with 5 tunes that explore love and life via modern (mostly) instrumental jazz that welcomes Kate Victor, Benjamin Hankie, Campbell Charshee, Yuka Tadano and Ronen Itzik to the rich climate.
‘What Tomorrow May Bring” opens the listen with Itzik’s frisky drums and Tadano’s upbeat bass complementing Mody dreamy guitar tone in the shimmering atmosphere, and “The Yards” follows with a calmer demeanor of elegant instrumentation that showcases Charshee’s flowing piano playing.
“Mystic” occupies the middle spot, and emits a rare intimacy via the introspective guitar and soulful flugelhorn from Hankie, while “In Absence Of Answers” allows the meticulous rhythm section to shine amid the agile keys. “A Long Song” exits the listen, and spotlights Victor’s lovely vocals that suit the pretty guitar, reflective bass and light drums.
A listen that balances solo moments with collaborative bursts, Mody and company pay close to attention to mood, and it really does draw the listener in immediately.
Travels well with: Kevin O’Connell Quartet- Hot New York Minute; Tomas Janzon- Nomadic