Shadows
Long Echo, 2025
9/10
The guitarist-composer Alec Goldfarb brings along many guests for these worldly jazz tunes that were recorded between Southeast Asia and New York City.
“Reliquary/Quartet” starts with Steven Crammer’s drums and tabla alongside Goldfarb’s unpredictable guitar playing, and “Relics” follows with Gideon Forbes’ well timed soprano saxophone that adds much richness to the melodic climate.
“Lullaby” lands in the middle and welcomes Rani Blanco’s distinct pipes to the Eastern influences, while “Rehab Consort” enlists Roni Driyastoto’s rebab for the strong attention to atmosphere and tonality via the gripping strings.
Residing near the end, “Trancing” makes great use of Yustiawan Paradigma’s gender sandikala amid the harmonic voices and indeed mesmerizing spirit, and “Epilogue” exits with Agnesia Nandasari Nuringtyas’ sindhen and vocals that are enlightening and globally enjoyable.
A body of work that draws from Southeast Asia’s classical and folk traditions and was assembled from winters and monsoon season spent in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam between 2022 and 2023, Goldfarb’s melodic, harmonic and groove filled vision is fleshed out superbly.
Travels well with: Keefe Jackson/Jakob Heinemann/Adam Shead- Stinger; Illegal Crowns- Unclosing