Early Morning Star
FMR, 2020
8/10
The esteemed pianist Bob Gluck is in fine company here, as Andrea Wolper, Kinan Azmeh, Ken Filiano, and Tani Tabbal all contribute their respective talents on a very open minded version of jazz that rarely sits in one place very long, and is constantly shifting in tone, tempo and mood.
“A Time Of Singing” starts the listen with Wolper’s vocal acrobatics alongside proficient keys and well timed percussion that propels the opener into experimental jazz territory, and this creativity leads into the nearly operatic title track, as well as the Azmeh’s energetic clarinet prowess on the busy, tumbling “Emerge-ency”
In the middle, “For Today” stays bare with just Gluck’s keys offering much beauty and playfulness, while “Friday Song” delivers a bit of tension under a current of multifaceted jazz sensibilities that’s anchored by Tabbal’s sharp drumming. “Never Ceasing”, one of the album’s best, then pairs crashing percussion with low keys as Wolper’s strong vocals are on full display.
“Today Today” and “Tzur Mishelo/Los Bilbilico” end the listen, where the former makes great use of clarinet as well as Filiano’s deft bass playing before the rest of the ensemble join in, while the latter glides with mystery in the cultured, rich, mash up finish.
This is Gluck’s 11th album, and the themes of social justice and improvisational interplay make it one of his best to date. Fans of jazz music that colors outside the lines and is brimming with dynamic musicianship will want to spend quality time with Early Morning Star.
Travels well with: Madre Vaca- Winterreise; John Finbury- Quatro