This disc is inspired by the Greek soothsayer Tiresias, who was featured in plays and writings of Homer, Sophocles and Euripides (“Euripedes? Eu MEND edes!” a little Greek humor for you there). The music, a tad left of center features a larger ensemble including the leader and composer Jason Robinson/ts-ss;fl, JD Parran/reeds, Marcus Rojas/tuba, Bill Lowe/tuba-bass tb, Libert Ellman/g, Drew gress/b, George Schuller/dr, Ches Smith/dr and Marty Ehrilich/woodwinds. The sound of the ensemble, combined with the intriguing harmonies, slight looseness of delivery, yet still with a foot in the swinging feel of life, give this release a feel of early vintage Charles Mingus. There’s a busy-ness of activity creating an underlaying level of energy of material like “Stratum 3” that is infectious, while the hard driving pulses of “Elbow Grease” (which follows a raucous solo intro by the leader on tenor) will keep you on your toes. The harmonies of tuba and soprano on “Radiate” are colorful as is the slinky bass clarinet on the moody title song. Intriguing material that will catch your ears, and may not let go.
Cunieform Records