Battle Lines
Blue Canteen, 2020
9/10
A drummer extraordinaire whose power and meticulousness have been hallmarks of his work, Steve Fidyk is in exceptional company here as Joe Magnarelli holds down trumpet/flugelhorn, Xavier Perez handles tenor saxophones, and Peter Zak and Michael Karn contribute piano and bass respectively.
“Ignominy” starts the listen with precise drumming from Fidyk before Perez’s incredible sax prowess leads the frisky jazz opener, and the title track follows with a more forceful approach as dancing keys from Zak flow with an intricate and playful delivery as the tunes weaves its way around unending melodies.
In the middle, “Bebop Operations” displays Magnerelli’s trumpet acrobatics amid the breezy yet frisky bebop atmosphere, while “Lullaby For Lori And John” trims the pace back to balladry as graceful keys and gentle brass highlight the reflective climate that was penned for Fidyk’s parents. “Churn”, one of the album’s best, then finds an ultra-smooth, classic jazz place to reside, where all players interact with a dizzying execution of superb chemistry.
Deeper into the journey, “#Social Loafing” bounces with a swinging, warm spirit, and “Sir John” finishes out the listen lively with a radiant quality of blues ideas where each member gets their own solo.
Battle Lines is Fidyk’s 3rd outing as leader, and like everything he’s touched, it’s exceptional, robust and never short on the sort of rhythm and melody that we will never tire of.
Travels well with: Shawn Purcell- Symmetricity; Ernie Watts Quartet- Home Light