The Dryad
Naked Muse, 2022
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by the composer, songwriter and producer Gideon Frankel, these 11 originals wrap melodies, harmonies and grooves around a Latin template that is as unpredictable as it is exciting.
“Broken Dreams” opens the listen with Jamichael Frazier’s dreamy flute, as Reinaldo Ocando’s agile drumming enters the cultured climate, and the title track follows with Frankel’s strategic bass and Paolo ‘Pee Wee’ Durante’s finger acrobatics complementing the flowing melodies and textured beauty.
Halfway through, the breezy spirit of “Sweet Tears” benefits much from Miguel Valazquez’s clever bass and Antonie Veskovski’s dreamy vibraphone, while “Catch Some Honey” is particularly vibrant, as it meshes the airy flute, playful percussion and atmospheric vibraphone from Gianluca Manfredonia.
Close to the end, “The Start Of Something” showcases Clara Zucchetti’s swift vibarphone prowess amid the frisky drumming, and the aptly titled “Mellow Jive” exits the listen with a meticulous, collaborative appeal that’s globally rich and memorable.
Frankel has an impressive resume in the area of commercial soundtracks, and this first solo artistic endeavor illustrates his worldly vision that injects timeless jazz ideas into a truly outstanding effort.
Travels well with: Acute Inflections- Let Go; Abiola- Abiola Time