Awareness
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The Chicago drummer Kabir Dalawari turns in an impressive debut here, where Kyle Brooks, Eric Arroyo, and Matt Ulery accompany him across 7 originals of rich and creative modern jazz.
“A Moment In Time” starts the listen with Brooks’ soulful sax prowess before Dalawari’s fluid drumming and Arroyo’s agile keys enter the warm climate, and “Action Potential” follows with swift drums, firm keys and Ulery’s precise bass making for an exploratory album highlight.
Further along, “Woven, Found” moves quickly amid a playful, contemporary jazz spirit, while “Expedition” bring both busy and bare settings to its nearly 10 minutes of charming, sometimes moving, sensibilities. “Awareness” exits the listen, and presents a very cozy demeanor of skilled brass, hypnotic bass, meticulous drums and well timed keys.
A listen that’s soaked in rhythmic energy, plenty of unpredictable melodies, and incredible interaction between the quartet, Dalawari is to a fantastic start with this stunning first album.
Travels well with: Roland Tempelaar- New York Chapter; Victor Gould- In Our Time