I usually don’t review single songs, but this one piece by guitarist/composer Jes Berge really deserves a listen, as it’s more of a musical journey than a single 8 minute piece. The “Space Jazz Monstrosity” has Jes and his rhythm team of drummer Igor Willcox and bassist Quincy Njemanze going through a musical Odyssey with cameo guests coming on and off stage like an Agatha Christie novel, with the Berge’s guitar changing the kaleidoscopic moods from Oriental tones, to soulful grooves and bluesy jazz as the tempos change from deep grooves, meditative reflections, frisky and whimsical pop and frisky loose jams. Saxist William Porter adds to the bluesy atmosphere with Erika Boschi bringing in some upbeat vocals as Scott Hearn slides his trombone around the loose edges and Morgan Walbridges vibes carom around the jazzy hues. Willcox holds it all together with a flexible mindset with the sticks as Berge conducts six stringed traffic. Can this be done in concert? I’d love to find out!
https://jesberge.bandcamp.com/track/space-jazz-monstrosity
https://open.spotify.com/album/7rPrWhSpOSO46HwZZXJZhB?si=022dde5d805344bc