Post bop guitarist Samo Salamon does some creative configurations here by putting together a team of himself with two alto saxes (provided by Loren stillman and John O’Gallagher) and one drummer, Robert Dant. The result gives hints of Lee Konitz’s days with Warne Marsh in terms of a mix of lyrical spaciousness and adventurous soloing. The openness of the rhythm makes for lots of flexibility and a minimum of overcrowding of elbows bumping against each other.
Salamon’s guitar is plaintive and thoughtful on pieces such as “Fairytale” and “Monder Bag” which have the melodic saxes slowly undulate and ultimately unravel like streamers on New Year’s Eve. He goes mano a mano with Roberto Dani on “Mr. Cynical” with some impressive sparks flying while the drummer himself keeps things together and intact quite well, showing some nice ride cymbal work on “Moonless.” Stillman and O’Gallagher get to stretch out in moods both cool and hot on “Imperfections” while their harmonies meld like apple butter and honey on “Flux of Silver.” Fresh music!
Steeple Chase Records