There’s a new violinist on the scene and he’s pretty impressive. Jason Anick (who’s also one of the youngest instructors at Berklee, by the way) shows some impressive chops and style on violin and mandolin on this recent release, his second. He mixes it up with some sophisticated originals as well as jazz standards with a trio of different bands. Self penned tunes such as “Stomped Out” and “Inspiration Point” feature a melding of complex themes and agile swinging along with some nice alto sax work by Clay Lyons. Anick is agile on both the bow and pick, as his mandolin acuity is in ample spotlight on a bopping and electric take of Ornette Coleman’s “Turnaround.” His violin is able to bop with the best on Hank Mobley’s “This I Dig of You,” swing like a gypsy on Django Reinhardt’s “Minor Blues” and create a warm environment with a wide vibrato on Horace Silver’s gentle “Peace.” Pianist Matt DeChamplain deserves kudos as well for some impressive impressions on “My One and Only Love” while the rotating rhythm sections change gears with the agility of the Bolshoi Ballet. Check this guy out!
Magic Flute Music