Littoral Zone
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Julian Gerstin’s creativity seemingly knows no bounds, and here the percussionist returns with 17 selections that are partially improvised and partially composed where he plays a large handful of instruments that he’s culled from his worldwide travels.
“Voluta Musica” starts the listen percussivey strong as Gerstin recruits cultured rhythm into the worldbeat climate, and “Dentalium Elephantium” follows with firm, dynamic percussion that’s nearly hypnotic in its playful yet sublime delivery of African influences.
Elsewhere, “Corculum Cardissa” benefits greatly from Anna Patton’s deft clarinet prowess, while “Crepidula Fornicata” moves with a bare quality where Gerstin impresses us with his artistic vision. “Grimpotheusis”, an album highlight, the recruits Steve Rice’s marimba on the dreamy display of subdued beauty.
Deeper into the listen, “Argonauta Argo” brings Rice back on the brief yet rhythmic venture, and the title track exits the listen with a nearly tribal like approach of unparalleled skill.
An album that yields new finds with each subsequent listen, there’s a whole lot going on here, where constantly shifting tempos, varying degrees of intimacy and a massive amount of texturing you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else are present and appreciated.
Travels well with: Kurt Rosenwinkel- Stars Of Jupiter; Trilok Gurtu- God Is A Drummer