Infinite Connections
Motéma, 2024
9/10
Listen to Infinite Connections
The esteemed composer and conductor Jihye Lee leads her 18 piece jazz and classical orchestra through these 9 songs that revolve around grief, immigrant struggles and self-identity.
“Surrender” starts the listen with Ambrose Akinmusire’s bright trumpet that suits Jared Schonig’s drumming acrobatics and plenty of detailed winds, and “We Are All Under The Same Stream” follows with the animated winds and Alex Goodman’s flowing guitar for a rich and textured landscape.
Into the middle, “Eight Letters” is percussively strong and benefits much from Adam Birnbaum’s meticulous piano, while “Karma” shifts from calm waves of beauty to Big Band prowess that meshes so many sounds into a calculated but sometimes busy album highlight.
Landing close to the end, “Nowhere Home” showcases the detailed horns and charming winds, where Alan Ferber and Nick Grinder’s trombones are especially agile, and “Crossing The River Of Grace” exits with a distinct intimacy thanks to plenty of unpredictable interaction between winds, brass, drums and guitars.
An eclectic affair that recruits Korean folk rhythm and no lack of western ideas, Lee guides her orchestra through timeless and captivating jazz sounds.
Travels well with: Mamiko Watanbe- Being Guided By The Light; Yotam Silberstein- Standards