Situation
PlayOn, 2025
9/10
The flute and sax player Alex Coke is joined by Carl Michel’s guitar and 4 others for this 3rd album of sonically engaging song craft.
“440” starts the listen with soft melodies, where Michel’s dreamy guitar is met with Elaine Barber’s dreamy harp, and “Sketchy” follows with Coke’s expressive flute amid Carolyn Trowbridge’s playful vibes.
Further along, “Aquarium” mesmerizes us with its flowing atmosphere of beauty and wonder, while “221” showcases much care and warmth via James Suter’s gentle bass and the cozy vibes that present elegance and expressiveness.
Close to the end, “Pines Of Rome” is a bare and cinematic mood of engaging intimacy, and “Sikinkutsu 2” exits with ambience and sound manipulation, where a nearly sci-fi presence and Bob Hoffnar’s strategic pedal steel make an impression.
A really unique effort that tweaks jazz with fascinating results, the 14 tracks are fleshed out superbly.
Travels well with: Groovology- Almost Home; Cliff Korman Trio- Urban Tracks