Is simply being “different” enough? Don’t some other factors have to be included? Read on…
Vincent D’Onofrio uses his voice, and Dana Lyn plays viola, violin, ipod and piano along with a supporting “team of Mike McGinnis-Briggan Krauss/reeds, Kyle Sanna/g, Geoff Kraly/b and Vinnie Sperrazza/dr. If you’re idea of an interesting album is hearing a guy read entrees from his diary, or stories about him being a cat or hamster, then this is your pick. A more navel gazing self indulgent album I’ve yet to hear since Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music.
Nick Sanders/p leads a trio with Henry Fraser/b and Connor Baker/dr on this album of originals sans one produced by the piano icon Fred Hersch. Ornette Coleman’s “The Blessing” closes the album, and it’s quirkiness fits right in this collection of tunes that at times wants to be Monk when it grows up, as on “Red Panda” and “Let’s Start.” Sanders has a joyful touch, but the herky jerky changes actually break the flow of potential bopping burners like “You Are A Creature” and destroy the mood like a Whoopie Cushion on a first date during the otherwise romantic ballad “Carol’s Kid.” Sometimes playing it straight can be very effective. Just ask George Federman.
Marike Van Dijk wrote all the tunes and plays soprano and alto sax as well on this intimate collection of chamber jazz. Lots of old fashioned strings frame much of the material, which feels intimate, subtle and gentle on the mind. A couple vocalists join in, with Defne Sahin and Ruben Samama delivering a restrained take of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home.” Anna Webber delivers some soft sax and flute work, most notably on “The End” and “Christmas” and old world clarinet and tenor readings blend with the strings on”22e (to everyone I Miss.” Unpretentious, quiet and reflective. She draws you in with quietude.
Buddhabug Records
Sunnyside Records
Bju Records