Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Mark Dresser/Denman Maroney: Time Changes
Mark Dresser/Denman Maroney: Time Changes
ByArguably his most longstanding and enduring relationship has been with self-titled "hyperpianist Denman Maroneyhyperpiano referring to the variety of prepared piano techniques that Maroney uses to expand the textural potential of his instrument. Since meeting in '89, they've recorded eight albumssome under Dresser's name, others under Maroney'sand their latest, Time Changes, is a collaborative effort credited to both. Between Maroney's prepared piano and Dresser's extended techniques, the two are capable of extracting a wider range of sonics than one might imagine, this time augmented by Michael Sarina drummer on the Downtown New York scene since the early '90s and a flexible player who deserves greater attentionas well as, on four tracks, mezzo soprano Alexandra Montano.
The title refers to the trio's flexible yet constructed compositions, most notably Dresser's "Aperitivo, which, according to Dresser, is based on a blues form but is rendered almost unrecognizable through his and Maroney's harmonic alterations, not to mention a constantly fluctuating tempo that keeps the listener on his or her toes throughout. Montano's wordless vocals also take the piece away from the obviousness of its roots. Similarly, Maroney's "M.C. takes a relatively straightforward set of changes and twists it through a series of complex tempo variations that give the whole piece a staggered effect.
Utilizing an innovative custom-built pickup system in the fingerboard of his bass, Dresser expands the aural breadth of his instrument on "Ekoneni, which begins with abstract motions from all parties, but ultimately resolves into a more straightforward rhythm, although Maroney's use of some form of sliding appliance on the piano strings keeps things from ever being too direct.
It is, in fact, Maroney and Dresser's expansion of their respective instruments' sonic possibilities that takes the programme of Dresser and Maroney originals, all based on complex and precisely structured formswith the exception of two free improvisationsand opens them up to greater breath and breadth. If one can forget about the clearly detailed arrangements and just absorb the music without consideration, the set takes on a surprisingly effortless and alluring complexion.
When Dresser recently played a series of duets in Ottawa, Canada with fellow bassist John Geggie, his ability to combine improvisational élan with finely detailed composition was in clear evidence. Time Changes is further demonstration of his and Maroney's ability to construct contexts that demand strict adherence to form and a more exploratory aesthetic.
Visit Mark Dresser and Denman Maroney on the web.
Track Listing
Aperitivo; Pulse Field; Heap; M.C.; One Plate; Double You; Harkemony; Lateral Mass; Kilter; Between 17th and Bliss; Ekoneni
Personnel
Mark Dresser (bass); Denman Maroney (hyperpiano); Michael Sarin (drums, percussion); Alexandra Montano (voice)
Album information
Title: Time Changes | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Cryptogramophone