Areas
Elastic, 2026
9/10
The always impressive Nick Fraser brings his experimental prowess to these 7 jazz-ish tracks that welcome Tony Malaby, Kris Davis and John Kameel Farah.
“In The Wreckage” opens with Farah electronics and processing adding much mystery around the atypical keys and Malaby’s sax manipulation, and “Mimic” follows with the rich sax and dense keys radiating a cinematic appeal.
“Howling Circuits” and “There Are Other Ways” land in the middle. The former drones with a haunting quality amid the soulful sax and Fraser’s strategic piano harp, while the latter enters free jazz exploration amid Fraser’s animated drumming.
“Brood” exits, and brings back Farah’s tinkering and a rhythmic beat that makes for waves of creativity that fall somewhere between ominous and soothing.
An often eerie and meticulous effort, Fraser and his company enlist oblong grooves, gentle dynamics and otherwordly ambiance that few others could replicate.
Travels well with: John Kameel Farah & Nick Fraser- Farahser; Valley Voice- Stars, Engines