Thought And Memory
BJU, 2023
8/10
The trumpeter and composer Pablo Masis pens a record that touches on two places that have influenced his view of the world, New York City and Kabul, and he brings along Adam Hutcheson, Jeff McLaughlin, Jeff Koch and David Hawkins for the rich 7 tracks.
“Super Collider” opens the listen with Masis’ soulful trumpet alongside Hawkin’s light drums in the cozy atmosphere, and “Signal Problems” follows with the glowing trumpet amid McLaughlin’s playful guitar for the melodic energy.
Packed in the middle is the frisky title track, where Koch’s unpredictable bass glides alongside the reflective brass, while “Kabul Suite” exits with 3 movements that use Hutcheson’s alto sax skills for both busy and calm moments of animated and introspective jazz flavor.
Masis traveled to Kabul to teach music at Afghanistan’s only music school, and his experiences there certainly shape the contemplative final piece, and his New York life fuels the first half with its vibrant, moody and unpredictable gestures.
Travels well with: Dave Meder- New American Hymnal; Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera