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Chris Mondak: Glass Spheres
ByAnchoring a standard rhythm section of piano, bass and drums, Mondak augments the musical diversity by including guitarist Lindon McCarty and Hunter Smith on the tenor saxophone, forming a quintet of gifted young players with pianist Gabe Feldman and Australian drummer Chris Broomhead rounding out the cast.
The seven-piece repertoire kicks off with the sparkling bebop burner "Low" featuring sprite solo moments from each member of the band. The following "Oath Keeper" takes the sound in a swinging direction playing hard and fast inspired by an episode of the TV show Game of Thrones. In contrast, "Brume" is lighter and melodic and the only balladic-style piece of the set.
Turning to a less traditional number, "In Sleep" is a haunting tune with a hard percussive overtone and not much in melody; a short and introspective piece of music. "Juicy Red" returns the group to a more modern and contemporary sound worthy of repeated spins. The mid-tempo romp of "The Only One" and the slight New Orleans-tinged sound of the finale, "Hats Off,"closes out a session of impressive new material from Mondak.
One of the talented young lions of the jazz world today, Mondak's diverse compositions on Glass Spheres makes for an engaging musical experience.
Track Listing
Low; Oath Keeper; Brume; In Sleep; Juicy Red; The Only One; Hats Off.
Personnel
Chris Mondak
bassHunter Smith
saxophone, tenorGabe Feldman
pianoLindon McCarty
guitarChris Broomhead
drumsAlbum information
Title: Glass Spheres | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Summit Records
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Chris Mondak
Album Review
Edward Blanco
Glass Spheres
Summit Records
Lindon McCarty
Hunter Smith
Gabe Feldman
Chris Broomhead