We Sick
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The saxophone improviser and composer Nathan Hanson is joined by deVon Russell Gray’s piano and Davu Seru’s drums for these well thought out 6 pieces that are very much influenced by the murder of George Floyd and the repercussions of Covid.
“Letters” opens the listen with the unpredictable and exciting sax alongside well timed drum bouts and warm keys that all seem to be on their own course, but also align uniquely, and “They Stay Breathing Here” follows with Hanson’s soulful brass laying the foundation for the strategically intimate landscape.
In the middle, the playful “Solve for Malcolm” arrives in 2 movements, where the first illustrates mesmerizing piano prowess amid the firm sax, and the remainder leads bare and powerful, before erupting into controlled chaos with its squealing and dynamic interaction between the 3.
The final track, “Paths Open and Tolling”, pays close attention to mood, and emits a distinct dreaminess with its pretty keys, focused drums and sturdy brass.
The trio actually live and recorded this not far from where George Floyd lost his life. The songs were fleshed out in a Covid forced vacant church, and it documents this very interesting improv and experimental jazz that speaks volumes without any actual words.
Travels well with: Christopher Cerrone- The Air Suspended; Greg Stuart- Subtractions