Explorations
MeisteroMusic, 2023
8/10
The veteran trombonist and songwriter Ed Neumeister surrounds himself with excellent company here, where 2 different ensembles illustrate much versatility and skill across the 14 exciting tracks.
The listen opens with the curious “fawg-it #1”, where manipulated vocals, Gary Versace’s soft keys and Tom Rainey’s playful drumming make for an ambient climate, and “Pickled Ginger” follows with Drew Gress’ frisky bass plucking amid the atmospheric keys and bouts of bright brass.
Further into the listen, “Exploration #4” is strategically minimal, where Fritz Pauer’s unpredictable piano and John Hollenbeck’s firm drums populate the avant-garde delivery, while “Exploration #7” showcases Pauer’s lively key progressions and Neumeister’s soulful trombone bursts.
Close to the end, “Exploration #10” is a busier offering of swift keys, thumping drums and plenty of experimental prowess, and “fawg-it #2” exits with a more intimate appeal that allows Neumeister’s eloquent trombone to really shine.
Even though most of these recordings date back to 2001 and 2002, they sound very modern and stylish, where vocal improvisations and a highly iconoclastic version of jazz that has gained much respect from his peers makes for a sizable impression.
Travels well with: Michael Davis- Open City; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak