Letters Of Transit
Adhyâropa, 2024
8/10
The composer/performer, arts and culture correspondent for NPR News, Dean Olsher brings us a striking body of work, where inspiration by the letters of transit that drive the plot of Casablanca unfolds across 8 very diverse selections.
The title track starts with the mesmerizing guitar from Rez Abbasi, which suits George Farmer’s skilled bass in the very warm climate, and “Forget I Was Ever Here” follows with Rachelle Garniez’s expressive voice alongside Olsher’s meticulous according for the intimate mood.
Halfway through, “Solace” benefits much from Satoshi Takeishi’s playful percussion and Meg Okura’s stirring violin via the heartfelt album highlight, while the fuller and rhythmic “Manhattan” places Jerome Harris on bass and makes great use of David Bertrand’s moody clarinet.
Approaching the end, “Mentre L’erbetta” focuses much on Olsher’s meticulous accordion amid the bright guitar tone and string acrobatics, and “Lullaby” exits with an initially bare tune that quickly builds into a rich and timeless jazz appeal.
An extremely dynamic peek at folk sounds from around the world, Olsher and company embrace chamber, orchestra and swing moments for an enlightening and thoughtfully good time.
Travels well with: Aaron Irwin Trio- (after); Dana Kaufman- Emily & Sue