Stars, Engines
Elastic, 2025
9/10
The saxophonist and composer Harrison Argatoff is joined by Michael Davidson, Dan Fortin and Ian Wright for these 8 creative and atypical jazz tracks.
“Wishlow” opens the listen with Argatoff’s rich sax playing alongside Wright’s frisky drums in the playful climate, and “Analemma” follows with a soft ambience that makes great use of Fortin’s gentle bass and the soulful sax.
The middle is where “Please Hold” lands, and it radiates much warmth via Davidson’s dreamy vibes, while “Sun Patch” is full of intimacy and grace thanks to the soulful rhythm section and well timed sax.
Landing near the end, “Shiver” leads with a soothing ambience that pairs the twinkling vibes with cautious sax, and the title track exits with a nearly lullaby-esque mood that’s meditative.
A very technical outing that incorporates jazz, classical and improvisation, this is a very collaborative effort which emits a truly unique chamber experience.
Travels well with: Nick Storring- Mirante; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth