Shades
Ravello, 2024
9/10
The saxophonist Jeff Sigfried and pianist Sean Friar come together for these solo and duo pieces that radiate both haunting and pretty moments of songwriting.
Friar’s “Shades” opens the listen with the quick flashes of brass alongside unpredictable key manipulation that suits the dark, mysterious landscape, and “Λήθη - επιβεβαίωση - ἀλήθεια [Homage to C.P.]:”, by Joan Arnau Pàmies, continues with 7 segments of swift, subdued and nearly mechanical ideas that present the saxophone is ways most of us have never heard.
Nearing the end, Nicholas Cline’s “Water-Witching” is 13+ minutes of ambience via the atypical sax prowess that cultivates a distinct mood, while “Candlewood”, by Gala Flagello, is the brightest tune, where floating melodies enter the radiant sax and flowing keys.
A record that traverses the possibilities of his instrument with much adventurousness, Sigfried’s sax performance is stunning, and Friar’s meticulous keys don’t disappoint either.
Travels well with: David Therrien Brongo- Confluence; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation