Between Two Worlds
Dunya, 2022
8/10
The sophomore album from the drummer, percussionist and composer George Lernis, the 8 tracks here feature John Patitucci on upright and electric bass, plus many very capable players for a very atypical jazz endeavor.
“Prayer” starts the listen with Burcu Gulec’s voice alongside Lernis’ strategic drumming and Mehmet Ali Sanlikol’s warm keys in the calm, dreamy climate that picks up the pace and volume later on, and “The Passage” follows with Lernis’ profoundly talented percussion swirling with a hypnotic, nearly trance like haze.
“Between Two Worlds” lands in the middle, and across 2 portions it brings Middle Eastern ideas and timeless jazz qualities into the meticulous string manipulation. The 3rd portion of “Between Two Worlds” arrives near the end, and showcases very soulful singing, well timed trumpet from Emiel De Jaegher and plenty of agile piano.
The final track, “Kalinihta”, exits with brass, expressive vocals, skittering keys and Patitucci’s incredible bass work lending itself to both cautious and exploratory moments.
Lernis, an immigrant from Cyprus, brings a very worldly demeanor to the album, and his background in poetry and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern roots makes Between Two Worlds a fascinating listen.
Travels well with: Peter Erskine- Live In Italy; Grant Stewart Quartet- The Lighting Of Lamps