Reaching In
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The first half of an extended story that’s relayed through music and spoken word from Jamaal Amir Akbari, the protagonist sorts through isolation, low self-worth, social anxiety, addiction and loss across this fusion jazz experience that’s guided by the pianist and composer James McGowan.
“Imagine (Part 1)” opens the listen with vivid storytelling alongside McGowan’s firm and diverse keys and Alex Moxon’s dreamy guitar, and “Thoughts And Prayers” follows with Cal McGowan’s stirring cello adding much to the rich climate.
Further on, “Uncertain Future” is quite pretty, and welcomes Jamie Holmes’ very fluid drumming to the timeless jazz appeal, while “Reaching In” makes the most of the poetic strings from the Despax String Quartet, where rock focused bursts enter the agile landscape.
Deeper still, the brief but impactful “Simple Reality” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to its sublime keys and emotive string interaction, and “Acceptance” exits the listen with no lack of melody and precision from the keys, strings, drums and guitars.
A highly poetic 16 movements, the music is constantly shifting in tone and the rest of the journey will released in 2024, which your heart, mind and soul will appreciate.
Travels well with: Duncan Hopkins- Who Are You? The Music Of Kenny Wheeler; The Artie Roth Quartet- Resonants