Bart – Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau – “Cheryl” – I saw them together in Chicago a few years ago, when I was performing there with Sonic Liberation 8. Great performers, but I didn’t love it, I appreciate them both and have long contemplated my lack of enthusiasm for most contemporary Jazz. Where I have reduced my thoughts to, is that I’m often amazed, but rarely touched and that there is a sense improvisationally that anything can happen at the music’s core. As admirable as I find that sensibility, I think I prescribe to the “It’s the only thing that could have happened” improvisational style, and I want to hear the thrill of discovery, not so much the sound of exploration? I have certainly gotten discovery from Brad’s music before and though respectful of Joshua’s accomplishments I’m spending the day with Dewey if I have a choice.
Travis – A wash of guitar. Solid sound rebuke to the first “Jazz” play. This sounds a little 90’s, not so distorted Dinosaur Jr. (since writing this I’ve had 4 Dinosaur jr. memes pop up in my feed!) or Velocity Girl vibe (I wish I had more Velocity Girl memes popping in my feed. Once years ago in Albuquerque a girl said I’m the only guy with a Velocity Girl postcard on my fridge… Probably true. I miss Velocity Girl.). This could use a little more explosive distortion actually, maybe it will get there. Or not, a little violence in the ending tho. Mission of Burma – “Dead Pool” – Mission of Burma has also been popping up on the radar lately, thanks Travis for the reminder.
Dan – Lee Scratch Perry – “Double Six” I’m doing another twofer of shorties. This Lee Scratch Perry track the keyboard sounds about 10 years early, this something I feel could appear in Nintendo Music or synth heavy 80’s tracks. And the entire vibe rules, which in a sense is production masterwork, capturing a vibe, and Lee was a Master!
ESCADARIA | HAMILTON DE HOLANDA & MESTRINHO | CANTO DA PRAYA – Here Hamilton just blows me away, he has total command. And I have a thing for Brazilian Accordion playing, like a “Me & Mrs. Jones” thing. Though I doid not Mestrinho before hand. They both give a sense that its going to erupt but leave you hanging with a mystery unfulfilled – I want more.
Found Sounds 