Mannerist
Woolgathering, 2023
8/10
The bassist, composer, bandleader and record label head honcho Matt Ulery blends chamber music and jazz for this 14th album as leader, where a handful of musicians accompany him for the 6 well thought out pieces.
“Bridges” gets the listen off to a dreamy start, where Constance Volk’s flute and Jon Deitemyer’s light drumming complement the woodwinds and brass with much grace and melody, and “The Brink Of What” follows with Paul Bedal’s warm piano and Dustin Laurenzi’s soulful sax adding much to the textured atmosphere.
The middle tracks belong to “Another Book Of Ornaments” and “Left Window”, where the former benefits much from Zachary Good’s moody clarinet and, of course, Ulery’s precisely plucked double bass, while the latter flows with a reflective tone thanks to playful keys and stunning bass work.
At the end, “Under A Dusken Crown” comes with a bit of mystery in the cinematic and lush display that spotlights James Davis’ trumpet, and “The Prairie Is A Rolling Ocean” exits with a cautious, rich, dynamic quality that’s heartfelt.
A listen that isn’t short on philosophical leanings and a cryptic vision, there’s certainly an artistic aspect present, too, as Ulery meshes harmonies, timbre and rhythm with much intrigue.
Travels well with: Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions; Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds