Gradient
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The bassist Jesse Dietschi brings along Ewen Farncombe and Ethan Ardelli for these 10 tracks that straddle today’s jazz and modern, classical chamber sounds that spans a variety of emotions.
“It Is What It Is” begins the listen with Ardelli’s frisky drums alongside the warm keys from Farncombe, where Dietschi’s bass anchors the energetic, jazz focused climate, and “The Road Home” follows with a more classical vision that’s harmonically rich.
At the midpoint, “Lake Effect” sits closer to chamber territory thanks to the acrobatic drumming and strategic bass lines of the dynamic landscape, while “Canmore” touches on folk nods amid the graceful keys and crisp drumming patterns.
Close to the end, “Archetype” is full of precise grooves that are capable of hard driving moments, and “The New Normal” exits with a busy, improvised flair that has all 3 players showcasing their inimitable strengths with fluid interaction.
A truly collaborative effort that’s stylish, introspective and constantly shifting in tone and pattern, Dietschi make every track here a stand out.
Travels well with: Teri Parker- Shaping The Invisible; Andrew Rathbun- The Speed Of Time