Seeing Sounds
Coucs, 2024
9/10
The New York drummer and composer Willy Rodriguez recruits a large cast of musicians for these diverse and cultured 11 songs.
“Beyond The Struggle” opens the listen with Leo Genovese’s warm keys alongside Kenneth Jimenez’s well timed bass and plenty of warm haze, and “Roy’s Masterplan” follows with John Hébert’s flowing bass and Jason Palmer’s lively trumpet making for an exciting free jazz exploration.
In the middle, “Fixed Goal” carries a swift and frisky demeanor that benefits much from Henry Paz’s agile sax and Rodriguez’s animated keys, while “The Infinity Of Your Love” brings Dave Liebman’s intimate soprano sax to a careful, introspective delivery.
Close to the end, “Self Love” spotlights Rodriguez’s stunning drumming acrobatics, and “Praise” pays tribute to the memory of Ralph Peterson and Bob Guilloti via the quick, meticulous and dynamic album highlight.
An effort of stunning improvisation, Rodriguez and his cast make every track here an adventure worth exploring repeatedly.
Travels well with: Andy Milne And Unison- Time Will Tell; Triad- Triad