I usually love everything that flautist Mark Weinstein puts his name on. This one, with Aruan Ortiz/p, Rashaan Carter/b, Gerald Cleaver/dr and Roman Diaz/per, emphasizes complex and shifting themes along with intricate segues to its detriment. Except for the alluringly moody reading of “Nature Boy,” the rest of the songs, ranging from Ornette Coleman’s “Open or Close” to Ortiz’s “Gregorio’s Mood” have an emphasis on cerebral technique and harmonies, with hints of melodies that are barely memorable once the piece is over. The percussion duo keep the music moving forward, and Weinstein’s tone is, as always, attractive, but it’s obscured here by the overall congestion.
Zoho Music