Dun-Dun Band

Pita Parka Pt. 1: Xam Egdub

Ansible, 2024

8/10

Listen to Pita Parka Pt. 1: Xam Egdub

A Toronto outfit spearheaded by the guitar genius Craig Dunsmuir, with this new-ish ensemble he dives headfirst into a mashing of jazz, prog, blues, post-rock, and even African ideas.

“No. 1” starts with Josh Cole’s bass acrobatics, as Ted Crosby’s fluid clarinet enters the 11+ minutes of unpredictable and often soothing songwriting.

The middle belongs to “No. 20 (Once Raw: The Aging G)”, where Blake Howard’s well timed congas and Mike Smith’s mesmerizing keys add to the gentle and melodic gestures.

“No. 7 (Nilan)” is the final selection, and it meshes bright winds with well timed grooves and Dunsmuir’s creative, intriguing guitar playing for an unconventional but memorable exit.

A very atypical take on jazz sounds, Dunsmuir and company utilize ambience, polyrhythm and cacophony via a distinct and exciting meticulousness.

Travels well with: Joel Chadabe- Emergence; Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness