Refuge
Bjur, 2023
8/10
The violinist and composer Sam Bardfeld aligns himself with Jacob Sacks’ piano and Michael Sarin’s drums and melodica for these blues and folk influenced jazz tunes.
“It Might Not Work” starts the listen with Bardfeld’s very distinct string prowess amid hypnotic keys in the highly interesting climate, and “Atlantic City” follows with a stirring presence of emotive strings, well timed drums and twinkling keys in the atypical Springstreen interpretation.
“On The Seat Of Which” arrives in the middle and emits an unorthodox rhythm that showcases dynamic interaction between the trio, while “That Greeny Flower” carries a mysterious ambience of avant-garde ideas amid the intimately experimental nods. The title track and 2nd cover exits the listen, where the clever tonality of the strings, firm keys and strategic drums illuminate the Andrew Hill original.
This is Bardfeld’s 4th album as leader, and it’s a unique, harmonic and creatively textured 7 songs that will resonate with any fan of jazz from any era.
Travels well with: Emilio Teubal- Futuro; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak