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