Emergence
PlayOn, 2023
8/10
The Alex Coke-Carl Michael Sextet consists of some of Austin’s brightest musicians, and their brand of fusion jazz is certainly unpredictable, which is a big part of its charm.
“After The Rain”, by Coltrane, opens the listen with Carolyn Trowbridge’s dreamy vibes and Coke’s soulful sax for the heartfelt climate, and not long after, “Bagatelle II” follows with Michel’s warm guitar and Bob Hoffnar’s moody pedal steel for the mysterious tone.
Further on, “Locust Grove” finds a mesmerizing place to reside with Coke’s agile flute amid the hypnotic vibes, while “Again” emits much beauty thanks to the intimate flute, guitar and vibes interaction.
Closer to the end, Elaine Barber’s flowing harp on “Wait/Not Wait” adds much to the rich landscape, and the bright “POP!” exits with James Suter’s bass acrobatics complementing the brass and percussion with a distinct playfulness.
A listen that doesn’t shy away from improvisation or atmosphere, the sextet formed during the pandemic, and the collective skill of the members makes for folk moments, waltz fun and even haunting bouts of the very atypical and exciting kind.
Travels well with: Clifford Jordan- Drink Plenty Water; Kevin O’Connell Quartet- Hot New York Minutes