Unfoldings
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The theorist, composer, arranger and guitarist Ian Wardenski returns with a 3rd album with his quintet, where the 5 involved pieces embrace chamber ideas into the jazz template.
“Movement I” opens the listen with Savino Palumbo’s unpredictable keys alongside frisky drums from Frank Russo, as Wardenski’s guitar acrobatics suit Tamara Tucker’s soaring wordless vocals, and “Movement II” continues that creativity with a calmer mood via Amy Shook’s manipulated bass before frisky keys and spirited guitar pick up the pace.
In the middle, the mesmerizing delivery of “Movement III” guides Tucker’s very animated vocal gestures amid the lively rhythm section, where Mercedes Beckman’s soulful sax brings the setting to gentler ebbs, while “Movement V” presents rhythmic and rock focused bursts of rich, jazz fueled songwriting.
A complicated outing that never alienates the listener, Wardenski’s strategic use of melody and rhythm is always present across the innovative texturing.
Travels well with: Ian Wardenski Quartet- Trust; Kenny Shanker- Vortex