Brindica
Zoho, 2018
9/10
Although he originally aspired to be a trumpet player, turns out Ted Plitzecker is most comfortable navigating a vibraphone, and together with an all star cast he brings us a worldwide adventure where the cultured sounds of Brazil, India, Africa, New Orleans and many others are created on his 5th album as band leader.
“Great Idea! Who Pays?” starts the listen with much emphasis on percussion as Afro-Cuban influences shine on the alto sax friendly setting, and the groove friendly “Uncle Peck” follows where contributions from Jon Faddis on trumpet are well placed.
At the halfway point, “Look At It Like This” benefits greatly from flutes and clarinets as Piltzecker’s vibraphone illuminates the jazz atmosphere, while “Ogoh, Ogoh” brings a frenzied pace of dynamic instrumentation as congas and bongos accent the playful climate that’s full of Balinese gamelan influences.
Deeper cuts bring us the gentle “What Happens To A Dream Deferred?”, where soft, sultry, poetic vocals from Taylor Burgess make this an album standout, and the reprise version of “Uncle Peck” exits the listen with a frisky yet fleeting delivery of outstanding interplay between the many players.
An extremely varied effort that’s never short on surprises and is constantly shifting in tone, pace and mood, Brindica brings a wealth of talent and adventurousness to a world music listen that’s unlike anything else out there.
Travels well with: Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band- Blue Soul; Ernie Watts Quartet- Home Light