Kind Mind
Cassiar, 2023
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Josh Cole brings along Karen NG, Michael Davidson, Sandro Perri and Joe Strutt for these highly experimental spontaneous tracks that are as unpredictable as they are exciting.
The soothing sax from Karen NG’s saxophone opens the warm “The Subway”, where Davidson’s cozy vibraphone is mesmerizing, and “Talking Makes It Worse” follows with the flowing brass amid the playful vibes that carries a unique dreaminess.
Further along, “Inside” offers a rich climate of textured sax and agile percussion alongside Cole’s strategic bass lines, while “Expectations” is a lively moment of bright sax, bass acrobatics and marimba prowess that comes with a creative, free jazz appeal.
Landing near the end, “Holding Pattern” makes great use of Strutt’s field recording that segues into a distinct droning, and “Tired” exits with a bare soulfulness that blends the cautious sax with elegant vibes and much intimacy.
A listen that injects chamber and jazz elements into subtle electronica and improvised, ambient gestures, Cole and company make the most of every unconventional moment here.
Travels well with: Chloë Lum & Yannick Desranleau- The Garden of a Former House Turned Museum; Meredith Bates- Tesseract