A Revolving Alliance
Sunnyside, 2026
8/10
Listen to A Revolving Alliance
The inimitable drummer, Matt Slocum, is joined by Larry Grenadier and Emmanuel Michael for these 7 adventurous tracks that dance around plenty of timeless jazz ideas.
“A Revolving Alliance” opens with Slocum’s frisky drums making an impression alongside Michael’s radiant guitar tone via the unpredictable climate, and “Yerazel” follows with crisp drumming, reserved drums and Grenadier’s subtle bass.
In the middle, “New Dream” offers a curious take on minimalism with much intrigue, while “Two Dragons” emits an upbeat and dynamic bout amid the trio’s playful interaction that’s a bit scrappy. “A Dissolving Alliance” exits, and it’s full of ambience and cinematic qualities thanks to the reserved and gentle gestures.
Most of these tracks are first takes, where the originals surround despair and hope and the two-track analog tape sure does capture the trio’s chemistry well.
Travels well with: Jody Redhage Ferber- Air Songs; Joe Fiedler’s Big Sackbut- Journey To Bowerbird