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Sonic Openings Under Pressure: Rapt Circle
ByOn the three tracks recorded live at the Montreal Jazz Festival, the trio adds percussionist Juma Santos Ayantola. His glistening chimes divide the melodic drum solo that opens "Scissor Bump." A sly rhythm falling in and out of funk initiates the series of transitory time signatures, never without the sweat of the blues. At times the writing resembles dub, with an instrument dropping out at a time shift, resuming at the next change. Baker's hard listening drumming plays well with Ayantola's conversational congas.
An exploratory "Spin" features intimate moments with Baker tapping rims and Brennan playing the short burst theme. By the end the alto flies like a hornet. Green anchors "Which Way What" with resilient bass lines. Brennan tears through Green's framework, Baker sizzling on cymbals and slapping traps.
The second version of "Scissor Bump" goes straight to the funk. Trimmed by six minutes, the Vision Fest version delivers more pop. Green solos strenuously and minimally to open "Covert." Baker offers subtle support and Brennan blows bluesy over the slinky tune. The second version of "Which Way What" turns up the intensity of the first, with Baker particularly charged.
Using similar compositions from two different performances gives a glimpse of Sonic Openings Under Pressure's unique approach to guided improvisation.
Track Listing
Scissor Bump; Spin; Which Way What; Scissor Bump; Covert; Which Way What.
Personnel
Patrick Brennan, alto sax; Hilliard Green, bass viol; Newman Taylor Baker, trap drums; Juma Santos Ayantola, percussion.
Album information
Title: Rapt Circle | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Unknown label
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