Babylonia Suite
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Canadian drummer extraordinaire Ilios Steryannis follows his family line on this worldly listen, where Tania Gill, Henry Heillig and Paul Pacanowski, plus guests, are on hand for the 11 diverse tracks.
“Babylonia” starts the listen with Pacanowski’s lovely sax alongside the agile drumming for a melodic and rich climate, and it isn’t long until the Indo-jazz fusion of “Zakir” impresses us with its precise use of tabla, from Ravi Naimpally, and bansuri flute, thanks to Sundar Viswanathan.
Entering the middle of the listen, Gill’s warm keys illuminate the intimate gestures of the flowing “The Procession”, while “Nina’s Dance” comes with upbeat and joyous melodica from the crisp drums, bright clarinet from Pacanowski and Gill’s fluid keys.
Approaching the end, the swinging blues appeal of “Blue Rumba” makes great use of Heillig’s playful bass bouts and “LaPlante” exits with a timeless, textured jazz demeanor that isn’t short on grooves and harmony via the precise rhythm section, unpredictable brass and acrobatic piano.
A very eclectic affair that embraces funk, swing, Afro-Cuban moments and a globally enjoyed jazz spirit, Steryannis draws us in from beginning to end with his distinct vision.
Travels well with: Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus; Max Roach- We Insist!