Contemporary Reviews

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Open Arms

April 2, 2024

O's Notes: Open Arms unites musicians from around the world the world in a harmonious session led by clarinetist Oran Etkin. “Chigwaya - Song For The Mermaid Spirit” has an exotic African feel imparted by the kalimba as does “Protection Song” and the more relaxed “Pavlink’s Dream”. There are excellent warm ballads like “Djelem Djelem” and “E Doce Morrer No Mar Live”. Our favorite is the swinging “Caymmi”.

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No Steps Left To Trace

April 2, 2024

O's Notes: PAKT is bassist Percy Jones, guitarist Alex Skolnick, drummer Kenny Grohowski, and guitarist/electronics master Tim Motzer. Jones introduces us to their groove on the 2-part opener “No Steps Left To Trace”. “On the Other Side, Pt 1” is an extra-galactic trip that morphs into rock-fusion led by the guitarists. “Pt. 2” is similar but funkier. “Spontaneous Combustion” and “The Ghost Mills” are appropriately titled in this creative set. Our favorites are the chaotic “NYC III” and “NYC IV” on the second disc.

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T-1 Contact Information

April 2, 2024

O's Notes: Tu-ner is Markus Reuter (g, soundscapes), Pat Mastelotto (d, electronics, vocoder) and Trey Gunn (g, vocoder). T-1 Contact Information is a musical depiction of intergalactic jazz fusion. Most of this music sounds like what could be the background for space travel. It’s kind of eerie, yet peaceful at the same time. Travel begins with the more approachable, terrestrial selections: “Crowfin”, “Contact Information” and “31”. The second disc starts with a “Poem About a Sad Horse” before they are “Forcibly Taken Into the Future”.

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The Gathering

April 2, 2024

O's Notes: Contemporary jazz guitarist Mark Wingfield leads an electronic, jazz-fusion band with Gary Husband (p, d), Asaf Sirkis (d), Tony Levin (electric bass), and Percy Jones (fretless bass) on The Gathering. They record a studio set comprised of Wingfield originals. The music is airy, spacey, and creative provoking your sense of imagination.