Fault Lines
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Atlanta trio of Dana Fitzsimons (drums), Bill Graham (piano) and Brandon Boone (bass) bring us 11 rhythmic, free-style jazz improvisations on this very collaborative and diverse listen.
“Slant Anagrams” starts the listen with a playful energy of frisky drums, unpredictable keys and thriving bass, and this creativity continues to the warm piano and well timed drumming of the reflective “Agitation Lullaby”.
In the middle, “Borders” shows much restraint as the trio interact with a distinct cautiousness, while “When Or Where” finds an intimate place to reside, where much beauty and grace enter the ballad.
Approaching the end, “Intersections” allows each member’s inimitable strengths to shine in the soft versus loud dynamics, and “Amelia” exits the listen with a very imaginative version of the Joni Mitchell classic.
Not so surprisingly, Boone and Graham are also drummers, and the strong attention to rhythm and energy that comes with much optimism reflects that, and with Fitzsimons having changed his drum kit during Covid to welcome a new way to express himself, Fault Lines is quite an exciting journey.
Travels well with: Bill Ortiz- Points Of View; Chris Standring- Simple Things