Blank With Colour
Summit, 2023
8/10
The always impressive bassist Chris Mondak brings his funk and jazz vision to these 10 songs, where a lively energy is present thanks to Dan Hitchcock, Gabe Feldman, Jack Macklin and Ryan Brasley’s contributions.
The playful and upbeat “Skunk Funk” starts the listen with Mondak’s agile bass lines amid Hitchcok’s animated sax and Brasley’s proficient drumming, and “Cruel To Be Kind” follows with Macklin’s warm guitar playing that suits the cozy brass of the spirited jazz climate.
“Wake Up” arrives in the middle, and is quite soulful by way of Feldman’s meticulous keys and precise rhythm section, while “Walking In Sunshine” hints are reggae in its relaxed rhythm that could quell anyone’s bad mood.
“With You” and “Everybody Knows” exit the listen, where the former is dreamy and rich via the glowing textures, and the latter focuses much on the graceful keys and strong attention to mood for the well thought out finish.
This is Mondak’s 3rd album, and the 8 originals and 2 covers unfold with sophistication and adventurousness that meet at a very welcoming intersection.
Travels well with: Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres; The Steven Husted Quartet- Standards And Then Some