Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Junk Genius: Ghost of Electricity

131

Junk Genius: Ghost of Electricity

By

Sign in to view read count
Junk Genius: Ghost of Electricity
Clarinetist Ben Goldberg and guitarist John Schott have been performing together for a number of years in various settings, bands and recordings while often utilizing the expert talents (and killer rhythm section we may add) of drummer Kenny Wollesen and bassist Trevor Dunn. On this newSonglinesrelease titled, Ghost of Electricity the band perform under the moniker of “Junk Genius”.

The set commences with a piece titled, “Gone Away” which is all about subtle dialogue between Goldberg and Schott appended by climactic development which more often than not, appears to be that of an inquisitive nature coupled by emotional outpourings of deprivation or loss. Very effective imagery as Goldberg and Schott get quite a bit of mileage out of sparse yet distinct phrasing that strikes a nerve or two. “Hollersdale” features Wollesen’s sweeping press rolls as the band accelerate like a locomotive building up steam. Here, the band create impact as they rollick and roll along with a melodic theme augmented by sharp dialogue from Goldberg and Schott who are quite effective at counterbalancing one another here and throughout. “Long Way” is somewhat pensive in scope as bassist Trevor Dunn plucks single note lines echoing Goldberg’s soul searching lines. Here the band evoke an air of suspense with implied movement which also suggests wide open terrain as if they were trekking by foot through the plains of Kansas, many miles away from their final destination. Again, vivid imagery takes precedence....

The band adhere more to the “outside” on “Strung” via Dunn’s commanding thumping bass lines, surging drum work from Wollesen and expressive improvisation by Schott and Goldberg whereas, “When” offers soft ethereal passages emphasized by Wollesen’s delicate touch while utilizing his mallets. “Indication” sounds like an excerpt from one of those old American Civil War tunes as Goldberg’s simply stated and sentimentally sublime phrasing beckons traditional Americana song-writing; although, Kenny Wollesen does a fine job of offsetting the serenity with a tasty drum solo.

Ghost of Electricity is modern jazz with a fresh yet curiously interesting slant, then again these men are pro’s; however, a few more up tempo or dare we say “scorchers” thrown into the mix may have stirred the pot a bit. We know that these gents are fully capable of soaring into the ozone on occasion but this is a minor complaint; otherwise, Ghost of Electricity should succeed at satisfying the listener’s sense of adventure! * * * *

Web: www.songlines.com

Personnel

Album information

Title: Ghost of Electricity | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Songlines Recordings

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.