Denki
Bju, 2025
9/10
The trombonist and composer JC Sanford is joined by Toivo Hannigan, Erik Fratzke and Satoshi Takeishi for these lively and creative jazz-ish tunes.
“ausgleicht” opens with Hannigan’s thick guitar alongside Sanford’s rich trombone for the dense jazz-rock that embraces some quiet moments, too, and “The Wise Stone” follows with a distinct ambience, as the hazy brass and a spacey appeal builds into a dizzying execution.
“Futari” and “Boku To Ware” land in the middle. The former benefits from Takeishi’s skilled drumming amid the cautious horn, while the latter spends 11+ minutes mesmerizing us via its light atmosphere, and, later on, the colorful brass.
“And So It Begins” arrives late and showcases the frisky effects that surround Fratzke’s bass acrobatics for the cinematic mood, and “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” exits with a heartfelt demeanor thanks to Sanford’s cozy trombone and the gentle rhythm section.
This is Sanford’s 8th album as leader, and it’s an effort that doesn’t reside in any specific genre, where metal, prog-rock and psychedelic bouts find their way into the jazz roots.
Travels well with: Conrad Herwig- Reflections-Facing South; Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra- Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop