Plan To Be Spontaneous
Solidtone, 2022
8/10
Listen to Plan To Be Spontaneous
The multi-instrumentalist and composer Steve Shapiro recorded these 7 originals during lockdown, where his esteemed vibraphone, marimba, percussion and electric mallet keyboard skills take help from some of the finest from Nashville and New Orleans.
“Extremely Moderate” starts the listen with extremely warm vocals from Lucy Woodward’s mesmerizing pipes, as Jeff Coffin’s soulful sax complements Shapiro’s well timed vibraphone, and the title track follows with a dreamy demeanor that benefits from Oz Noy’s meticulous guitar and Joel Rosenblatt’s precise drumming.
Elsewhere, “Outono” showcases Shapiro’s mallet manipulation amid Pat Bergeson’s atmospheric guitar that helps cultivate an eerie, ballad friendly demeanor, while “Candygram For Mongo” moves swiftly thanks to Shapiro’s hypnotic vibes and crisp percussion and Noy’s agile guitar in the funk and groove spirited display.
The album highlight exits the listen, where Shapiro holds down the fort on his own initially, and radiates much beauty from the modular synth, and Bob Lanzetti’s guitar acrobatics certainly impress, too, as the landscape builds into a busy, cinematic, experimental finish.
Certainly steeped in jazz, but also embracing pop, soul, funk and rock nods, Shapiro and company make an indelible impression with these progressive pieces.
Travels well with: The Relay- The Relay; Aaron Stroessner Quartet- Gifts