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Joe Santa Maria: Echo Deep
ByThe ensemble, reminiscent of a robust big band, presents compelling, and triumphant minimalist motifs employing unified circular melodies, layered brass, and strings, intertwined with contrapuntal phrases. And during the entrancing "Soap Box,"' they embark on a sonic orbit, weaving warm horn textures alongside Lauren Baba's streaming staccato violin passages.
Evoking folk-inspired hues, the ensemble crafts subdued yet captivating melodies segueing seamlessly into the subsequent piece, likely dedicated to guitarist Max Kutner, titled "Mad Max."' Here, disciplined horn arrangements soar with vibrancy via scintillating improvisations framed by thematic ingenuity and tight, unified choruses. Moreover, drummer {{Tim Carr|| underpins the composition with Latin-infused odd-metered patterns, establishing the formidable groundwork.
"Pathways" spotlights Santa Maria's exquisite flute work, evoking wistful echoes reminiscent of 1970s British progressive rock. The arrangements occasionally veer into offbeat avant-garde-leaning segments that paradoxically harmonize seamlessly. Once more, Carr's percussive guidance navigates these territories. "On the Water" exudes a jubilant samba groove, infused with celebratory voices and laughter, injecting a vibrant sense of realism and spice into the auditory backdrop.
Santa Maria's acute vision and compositional excellence amid his proficiency and adaptability across different musical styles speak incalculable volumes. He possesses a level of skill and artistry that is indisputably on a higher plane. (Strongly recommended)
Track Listing
Apix Groob; Soap Box; Mad Max; Pathways 1; Lullaby; Play Play; Pathways 2; On the Water; Where's Annie?
Personnel
Joe Santa Maria
saxophone, altoAndrew Conrad
woodwindsDan Rosenboom
trumpetBrandon Sherman
trumpetAndrew Rowan
trumpetRyan Dragon
tromboneLauren Baba
violinDavid Tranchina
bassMax Kutner
guitarAdditional Instrumentation
Joe Santa Maria: soprano, tenor, baritone saxes, piccolo, flute, clarinet, keyboards, compositions; Julianne Gralle: trombone; Tim Carr: drums (performance and tracking). Additional contributions: David Dominque, Alex Noice, Toshi Sato, J.J. Byars.
Album information
Title: Echo Deep | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Orenda Records
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About Joe Santa Maria
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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