Horizontal Depths
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The guitarist and composer Dan Pittman is joined by Naomi McCarroll-Butler, Patrick Smith, Alex Fournier and Nick Fraser for these experimental and memorable jazz tracks.
Pitt’s spirited guitar opens with “27 Hours”, where Fraser’s acrobatic drumming makes an impression, too, and “Horizontal Depths- Part One” follows with Smith’s rich tenor max that helps create a distinct mood.
The middle tracks belong to “ The Sorrow” and “Echo Park”. The former allows for Pitt’s radiant guitar tone, while the latter carries a cinematic ambience thanks to the soulful sax, McCarroll-Butler’s adventurous clarinet and Fournier’s double bass that builds into a dizzying album highlight.
Landing close to the end, “Horizontal Depths- Part Two” has the quintet showcasing dynamic interaction that’s rich, and “Lester Sleeps In” exits with a rare intimacy via the cautious and warm gestures.
An active player in Canada’s jazz and improvised community, this is Pitt’s 2nd album in a quintet setting, and it’s an expressive, melodic and fusion filled adventure.
Travels well with: Mark Haney- Placentia Bay: Summer Of 1941; Amy Brandon- Lysis