Volumes & Surfaces
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Jason Stein, Damon Smith and Adam Shead come together for these 5 unpredictable and exciting jazz tracks that showcase their inimitable talents.
“Heterodox Symmetry” starts the listen with Stein’s animated bass clarinet and Shead’s acrobatic drumming making for a very interesting, free jazz climate, and “The Deaf Voice Of The Light” follows with Smith’s well placed bass lines amid the low wind and frisky drumming that cultivates a distinct mood.
The middle track belongs to “Blue Isn’t For Sitting”, where a minimal landscape leads into cinematic waves of avant-garde nods, while “The Non Dimension Of The Present” squeals with experimentalism and the clarinet and drums interact with intrigue and artistic qualities.
The final piece, “Cleary, Blue Is For Sitting”, nearly sounds like field recordings before plenty of swift drumming, melodic clarinet and clever bass surround the record’s best.
An improvised effort that’s dynamic and creative, the titles come from the writings of Eduardo Chillida, and the trio’s collaborative effort makes an indelible impression.
Travels well with: Stein/Smith/Shead- Hum; The Heavy Hitters- The Heavy Hitters